Few European cities can claim to have experienced the same level of cultural transformation than Glasgow. From being a depressed post-industrial city of the 1960s and 1970s, this Scottish city reinvented itself in the late 1980s, early 1990s into one that was confident and vibrant and one that took a growing pride in its own cultural heritage. It was awarded the prestigious title of European City of Culture in 1990 and for the past two decades has continued to build on its reputation as a city with a rich architectural heritage; from a medieval cathedral, a city centre dominated by stunning late 19th century ‘Victorian’ buildings, through to the latest designs by ‘star’ architects such as David Chipperfield and Zaha Hadid.

Whilst few indigenous architects and designers are known beyond Scotland itself, one individual stands out from the crowd – Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Mackintosh’s work and that of a small circle of contemporaries projected Glasgow’s reputation as a centre for innovative design across Europe and beyond at the very end of the 19th century. Now a century later Glasgow continues to capitalise on Mackintosh’s international standing. His buildings are now celebrated and are favoured by an ever growing audience of cultural visitors. His most iconic design, the Glasgow School of Art, was recently voted the most important building in Britain from the last 175 years and his work as an artist and designer can be found in many of the leading galleries and museums of the world.

With confidence in the city’s architectural heritage at an all time high, and Mackintosh’s cult status showing no signs of diminishing, the future of Glasgow’s built environment as it enters the 21st century looks promising but only time will tell.