‘Inspired by the Glasgow Girls’ Exhibition

Exhibition Preview: Friday 15th of November 6pm – 9pm

Exhibition Runs from Monday 18th of November until Friday the 13th of December

Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday unless by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in which case call 0141 946 6600 to arrange.

Five female artists from Glasgow present work which embodies both a celebratory nod to the past as well as an exploratory continuation of the intriguing themes and methods present in the work of the original esteemed Glasgow Girls. 

‘The Glasgow Girls’ has become an iconic phrase both here and internationally when referring to artworks created in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s by a prominent group of female Glaswegian artists. This includes names such as Jessie M King, Bessie MacNicol, Helen Paxton Brown, Annie French, Frances Macdonald and of course Margaret Macdonald who became the wife and lifelong creative partner of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

All were inspired by different themes which included  nature, identity, fertility, sexuality, romantic mysticism, celtic symbolism, religious iconography and mythology. They also often incorporated the female figure within their compositions and drew upon ideas from poetry, resulting in almost fairy tale or dream like images which visually responded to written prose. This, along with their use of colour, materials and subject pulls from the subconscious with tangible emotion. Their unique style still influences artists and enthusiasts of today as we continue to research and unravel the thought processes behind the works of this incredible movement.

This group exhibition showcases the work of five contemporary female artists, currently living and working in Glasgow. This includes Sharon Ferris, Hannah Lyth, Choirstaidh McArthur, Rechel Petrie and Jade Sturrock.

Responding to and reinventing some of the prominent themes in the work of the Glasgow Girls, this group of artists have been selected due to parallels in each of their works. Whether this is a response to the human condition (female subjectivity, sexuality, fertility and liberation), our connection with nature and the organic, religious and symbolic iconography, or drawing from written pieces such as poetry and prose, the group are as diverse and multifaceted in their use of concept and material as the original Glasgow Girls.

Mackintosh Life Drawing

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross: Last Sunday of the Month in July, August and September 2019

Sunday 28th July 1pm – 3.30pm, Sunday 25th August 1pm – 3.30pm & Sunday 29th September 12pm – 2.30pm

Why not try your hand at some figurative life drawing in a stunning Mackintosh venue? In a space flooded with natural light, we will draw from a series of short and long poses with a live life model. The sessions are lead by local artist Jade Sturrock, a graduate from the Glasgow School of Art who specialises in Painting and Printmaking and the sessions are mostly self-guided although tutorial advice will be available to those who want it.

Basic materials and tea and coffee are provided, as well as easels, drawing boards and seating is available if required. You are also welcome to bring along your own materials (excluding any hazardous materials such as oil paints or solvents).

All levels are welcome to join, and sessions are limited to 12 people max so pre-booking is highly recommended. Tickets are £12 when purchased in advance or £15 on the door (subject to availability)

Tickets can be purchased here.

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross 120 Gala Day

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross: Saturday 7th September 2019, 12pm – 4pm

Join us in celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Building, 1899 – 2019

With fun activities for all the family like Arts & Crafts, Music, Games and Dressing up, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! The event is free and open to all and local residents are encouraged to come and share their own memories of the building.

The Mackintosh Series:

Seven Stories of his Artistic Journey

John Cairney presents a new suite of seven paintings inspired by the life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Each work tells the story of a specific period in Mackintosh’s colourful life; from his time as a schoolboy in 1883, through his career as a draughtsman, architect and artist right up to his untimely death in 1930.

Exhibition Runs: 3 June – 28 July 2019 at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross.

John Cairney’s association with Mackintosh began in 1974 when he was invited by R.W.Adams OBE, Managing Director of the A.H.McIntosh Furniture Company, Kircaldy, to prepare a Mackintosh Programme under their auspices. They had decided to promote a line of furniture based on Mackintosh designs and thought that a theatrical presentation of his life and work might prove a valuable marketing assist to this project. As a result, in 1975, Cairney was able to provide a programme entitled, Mackintosh the Man, at a seminar for architects held at Kirkcaldy in December 1975 as part of the International Year of Architecture. This presentation was further developed by Cairney over the following decade, with further performances at all the known Mackintosh sites in Scotland, at the Edinburgh Festival in 1978, at the Lyceum Studio Theatre in 1979 and culminating in a full-cast version for Scottish Television in 1980.

Still Life Drawing

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross:  Sunday 30th June 2019 from 1pm – 4pm 

With summer in full bloom, why not come and try your hand at a relaxing Mackintosh themed still life drawing session. Be inspired by the botanical watercolours of Mackintosh & his peers, drawing from a beautiful floral still life arrangement in a stunning Mackintosh venue.

All levels welcome. As the session is limited to 12 people max pre-booking is highly recommended. The cost is £15 per person for the 3 hours session.

Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite or by contacting jade@crmsociety.com

Basic Materials* and Tea & Coffee Provided