Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 – 1928) was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist. Influenced by the industrial city of Glasgow, in which he spent most of his life, plus the growing modernist trends and the influence of Japan as it opened to the world, Mackintosh developed his own style. He blended strong lines and right angles, with subtle curves and floral patterns.

In summer 2018, as a celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth, a mural was commissioned by the Radisson Red hotel chain as a gift to Glasgow. Street artist Bobby McNamara, known as Rogue-one, plus Ali Smith from Art Pistol Projects, created a magnificent 18 by 12 metre work, featuring Mackintosh’s much-loved red rose along with a life-like portrait of the man himself.

It adorns a wall of the Clutha pub, a place where 10 people tragically lost their lives when a police helicopter crashed into the roof in November 2013. The wrecked walls are now decorated with art which reminds us of the past history of the pub and Glasgow.

Copyright Debbie Smyth, 26 June 2019

Posted as part of Photo a Week and Monday Mural