Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
Article Source: National Trust For Scotland
Last Updated: 19 December 2024 8:47
National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Philip Long and President Jackie Bird at the Mackintosh at the Willow, Glasgow. Pic by Peter Devlin
A generous £1.1 million package of development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland as the first step towards a highly ambitious project to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
The news comes almost a year after the conservation charity worked with the Trustees of Mackintosh at the Willow and acquired the tearoom on Sauchiehall Street which was struggling due to the impact of the pandemic and two fires at the Glasgow School of Art.
After adding Mackintosh at the Willow to its portfolio, which also includes the Hill House in Helensburgh, the National Trust for Scotland cares for two of the couple’s most important surviving, publicly accessible masterpieces of design.
These incredible places will be the focus of Mackintosh Illuminated, a project, which the conservation charity says will put a spotlight on the design duo, sharing, celebrating and inspiring as many as possible with their creative genius and the beauty of their creations. The development funding announced today is the first stage towards a wider £7.3 million award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The National Trust for Scotland says the project will help make Mackintosh and Macdonald better known and appreciated both internationally and at home through the creation of an online learning resource, and an expanded programme of property-based community and education work in both Helensburgh and Glasgow.
The project also aims to encourage more people to visit both sites to get a richer picture of the pair's skill and versatility. Through working in partnership with other Mackintosh stakeholders in Glasgow and more widely, the support will also help planning to celebrate the anniversary in 2028 of Mackintosh’s death, and his birth 160 years previously.
Funding will also enable the charity to continue the vital conservation work at the Hill House which, since it was completed in 1904, has been afflicted with chronic damp. The pioneering chainmail Box which was installed in 2019 has been successful in allowing the house to dry out slowly. This new funding will enable the Trust to move forward with the full removal of the current render, to find a replacement which will resolve the longstanding damp issue, to remove the Box in 2028 and to provide updated, permanent visitor facilities including a café, shop and toilet facilities at the site on Upper Colquhoun Street in Helensburgh.
National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Philip Long OBE said: “We are enormously grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this generous grant which will help us do all we can to make sure that Mackintosh and Macdonald get the recognition globally and at home that their brilliant design and creativity merit.
“As the charity privileged to care for some of the finest remaining examples of the couple’s work, we feel strongly that their contribution should be better understood and celebrated. With the Hill House and the Mackintosh at the Willow at the centre of all our work, we will engage with more people in person and online, to tell the story of their creation and the inspiring people involved in those visionary ventures.
“And, as a conservation charity, we will protect both buildings to be enjoyed and experienced long into the future. At the Hill House, this means, continuing our work to solve its century-long issue with damp, both preserving this masterpiece and pioneering methods that add to the global conservation sector’s knowledge of how to care for and repair 20th century buildings, and helping train new craftspeople who can carry out work like this in the future.
“At the Mackintosh at the Willow, that means ensuring that this excellent experience thrives under the Trust’s care and continues to grow and contribute to a much-needed revitalisation of Sauchiehall Street and to Glasgow’s heritage as a whole. It was just a year ago that the future was in doubt for the tearoom. Now this new funding means the future looks bright, both for the Mackintosh at the Willow and for the appreciation of Mackintosh and Macdonald and their unique take on, and place in, nature, beauty and heritage.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: "Conserving the architectural masterpiece of the Hill House and enabling the National Trust for Scotland to tell the story of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald’s creative collaboration is hugely important. Thanks to National Lottery players, the Hill House and the stunning Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street will together enable visitors to explore the work of these two artistic virtuosos whose influence stretches around the world.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration
The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project
To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters
Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches
Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling
People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links