Moses

Today is Charles Rennie Mackintosh's birthday and we have had a fabulous day as part of our AGM weekend.

We left Glasgow Central Station in a Vintage 1959 Western SMT bus and made our way to Dunblane where we had arranged a special visit to Ault Wharrie House. The owners had kindly agreed to give us a private tour of this fascinating house, which dates from 1900. Designed by George Walton and Fred Rowntree the building is Category A-listed as having details of exceptional quality to the interior. Having been on the Buildings at Risk Register for a number of years, and lain empty since the year 2000, (and through several stalled development projects) the new owners are painstakingly researching and restoring the house, revealing detailed stencilling and wallpapers by Walton. This was a one-off opportunity to witness the restoration of this important house.

After lunch in Dunblane we had a private view of Bridge of Allan Church. This was an opportunity to view the interior of this Category A listed building where, in 1904, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was asked to design an organ screen and other church furnishings – most of which remain in-situ and in use today. Whilst at the Church, Professor Pamela Robertson gave an update on the Mackintosh Architecture Project – using the Church as an example.

This is a photograph of a section of the fabulous Stephen Adam stained glass window in the Church. The detail shows Moses with the Brazen Serpent. The Edinburgh-born Stephen Adam (1848–1910) founded one of the most successful stained-glass businesses in the West of Scotland.

Our day finished with a visit to the Pathfoot Gallery in Bridge of Allan. The Pathfoot Gallery is one of Scotland’s highly-regarded buildings from the 1960’s by the firm of RMJM and part of the original University of Stirling campus. Recently listed as Category A, there is an interesting background piece by our friends at the 20th Century Society.

Today, we had an opportunity to enjoy the buildings which house the art collection, including works by JD Fergusson, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Moore, Hepworth, Eardley, MacTaggart, Blackadder and many others, with an introduction by the curator and time to explore the sculpture trails.

What can I say about the fabulous response to my Steampunk image on Tuesday - keeping it at number one for four days -  Many thanks for the hearts and favourites. I have tried to thank everybody, but if I have missed anybody, then please accept my thanks.