Restoration work begins on Willow tearooms in Glasgow
The 18-month project hopes to preserve and recreate the architect and designer's famous building on Sauchiehall Street into a ``world-class'' visitor centre, exhibition and learning centre.
Work has started on a 10 million project to restore the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Willow Tearooms in Glasgow.
The 18-month project hopes to preserve and recreate the architect and designer's famous building on Sauchiehall Street into a world-class'' visitor centre, exhibition and learning centre.
Each detail of the restoration work will be scrutinised by a board of trustees and an expert Mackintosh advisory panel.
Celia Sinclair, founder of the Willow Tearooms Trust charity, said: The aims and objectives of the trust are to restore and preserve this iconic piece of Glasgow heritage for the benefit of the general public.
Our hope is that it will educate, inspire and encourage art, creativity and entrepreneurship by informing local and international visitors about the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.''
The Willow Tearooms opened on October 19, 1903 and the building is said to have international significance as they were the only tearooms where Mackintosh had control over design and decorative elements.
Ms Sinclair bought the building in 2014 to prevent the forced sale of the building and the loss of its contents after the landlord went into receivership.
It is now owned by The Willow Tearooms Trust, which wants to return it to its former glory.
Pamela Robertson, emirata professor of Mackintosh studies at Glasgow University, said: The Willow Tearooms are of outstanding importance in Mackintosh's career as one of his most accomplished, where he had input as an architect and designer.
The building will provide a unique experience for visitors telling the rich story of Glasgow's rise as an economic powerhouse at the turn of the last century.''
The project means urgent works can begin on the exterior of the building before interior work on wrought iron, textiles and glass can be restored.
More than 400 pieces of Mackintosh furniture will also be commissioned for the tearooms to original Mackintosh design.
An education, skills and training centre is also envisaged as part of the plans which will be completed in 2018 on the 150th anniversary of the architect's birth.
Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, signalled the start of the work by cutting a purple ribbon outside the building.
He said: The Willow Tearooms are a celebrated part of Glasgow's social and architectural heritage and this project will add an exciting new chapter to their story.''