Two world renowned architects, born in different decades, in different countries, but with a common passion for beautiful design. Now, in a new Glasgow exhibition, our own Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Portuguese legend Álvaro Siza have their work side by side.
By Tracy Mukherjee
Rennie Mackintosh Exhibitions Glasgow
There are many famous architectural masterpieces created by Rennie Mackintosh. We think of House for an Art Lover, Hill House near Helensburgh, Mackintosh Queens Cross Church. But there are few of his works more famous than his tearoom designs, most famously, The Willow Tea Rooms.
Designing Worlds Apart
The original site at Miss Cranston’s tea rooms on Sauchiehall St had all of the design features that we associate with Mackintosh. From the high backed, linear chairs, to the willow trees blending into the ornate wooden panelling of the room; from geometric shapes blending with floral motifs to, of course, Margaret MacDonald’s rose motifs. These design features are as familiar to us as the cloisters of Glasgow University or the glass domes of the Kibble Palace.
The tearooms opened in 1903. Some 55 years later and many thousands of miles from Glasgow, young portuguese architect Álvaro Siza was also tasked with designing a tearoom. This time, not in the centre of an industrial city, but on a windswept cliff in Portugal’s rugged Atlantic Coast, in Boa Nova. The Casa de Chá tearoom posed many issues. With a seascape to frame and a rocky ascent for visitors, Álvaro had a task on his hands. But using extensive glass panels and natural elements, such as extensive wood panelling, Siza allowed the tearoom to merge into its natural surroundings beautifully. And his iconic tearoom is as world renowned as The Willow.
Two beautifully designed tearooms, yet with vastly different design elements and locations. Do these two design masters have anything in common?
Chá Para Dois
To find out, visit the Tea for Two/Chá para Dois exhibition at Mackintosh Queens Cross Church. The showcase is organised by Graeme Nicholls Architects, an award-winning firm based in Glasgow. The exhibition ‘offers a new cultural exchange between Portugal and Scotland through the teahouse projects of these two architects — Mackintosh’s Willow Tearooms in Glasgow and Siza’s Casa de Chá (teahouse) in Boa Nova.
The exhibition promises new drawings, films, photography and artefacts. It explores the history of tea drinking. Did you know that it was a Portuguese princess who introduced tea-drinking to the British court? With more than a few shared cultural connections, the exhibition explores the links through design, craft and place. With a series of events accompanying the exhibition, it’s a thoroughly unique look at how ritual and culture can connect. Plus where better a venue than the magnificent surroundings of Mackintosh’s own church. Learn how these two architects carefully orchestrated design elements to facilitate tea drinking and conversation.
Two architects, two tearooms. Decades apart, oceans apart. Don’t miss this incredible exhibition.
Tea for Two/Chá para Dois
12th Sept – 2nd Oct
Mackintosh Queen’s Cross
870 Garscube Road
Glasgow
G20 7EL
For tickets and information on more Rennie Mackintosh Exhibitions in Glasgow, visit –
