Revolving Bookcase for Hous'hill, Nitshill, Glasgow
About this artwork
This revolving bookcase was made for Hous'hill, a large nineteenth-century house at Nitshill in Glasgow. The house belonged to Miss Catherine Cranston, who had earlier commissioned Mackintosh to design a series of tea rooms in Glasgow, including the famous Willow Tea Rooms which opened in 1904. This is Mackintosh's only revolving bookcase and was destined for the drawing room at Hous'hill. The design is based on an organic principle, with the vertical divisions representing the boughs and branches of a tree which multiply at each shelf, ending in little painted squares which suggest blossom or leaves.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 - 1928) Scottish
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title:Revolving Bookcase for Hous'hill, Nitshill, Glasgow
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date created:1904
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materials:Wood, painted
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measurements:122.00 x 46.00 x 46.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1989
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accession number:GMA 3447
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gallery:
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glossary:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Glasgow-born Mackintosh is a major figure in the art nouveau movement. One of the most original and influential artists of his time, his instantly recognisable style avoided the floral ornament often associated with that movement. Primarily known as an architect (his greatest achievement is the...