Details

Object type

writing desk

Artist/Maker

Charles Rennie Mackintosh designer

Mr Alex Martin maker

Culture/School

Glasgow Style

Place Associated

Scotland, Glasgow, Helensburgh, Hill House (place of use)

Date

1905

Materials

ebonised mahogany; mother-of-pearl; ivory; ceramic; leaded glass; metal

Dimensions

overall: 1125 mm x 942 mm x 470 mm

Description

This writing desk, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh c.1905, is considered to be one of Mackintosh's most accomplished pieces of furniture design. It was designed for the drawing room at The Hill House in Helensburgh. The ebonised wood surface of the cabinet is inlaid with luxurious materials that reflect the composite shapes of the desk: squares of mother-of-pearl on the inside of the square doors and dotted lines of ivory along the inner curves at the top of the desk. The result is a piece of furniture with a proportional and musical harmony. The desk takes on a different character depending on whether it is opened or closed. When opened fully, its shape has been compared to that of a formally displayed Japanese kimono.

Credit Line/Donor

Purchased with grant aid from the National Art Collections Fund, 2002 and Heritage Lottery fund

ID Number

E.2002.3

Location

In storage