Rediscovering Mackintosh: A Decade After the Glasgow School of Art Fire, with Dr Robyne Calvert

This episode promises a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the enduring legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as Niall welcomes cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert, a leading expert on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald. 

Robyne shares her journey to Glasgow in 2007, inspired by Mackintosh's work which she first encountered two decades ago. Her deep connection to Mackintosh’s architecture, particularly the Glasgow School of Art, is a central theme as she discusses her new book, "The Mack: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of Art," which was released in April by Yale University Press.

Robyne recounts her experiences working at the Glasgow School of Art, including the devastation of the fires in 2014 and 2018, and reflects on her transition from being a captivated student to a dedicated scholar.

Highlights:

• Robyne Calvert’s journey and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
• The unique aspects of Mackintosh's design
• The significance of historical photography to the preservation process

Key Moments

• 00:00:27 — Mackintosh's design, not strictly mathematical and intricate reconstruction
• 00:00:42 — Showcasing Mackintosh's bespoke craftsmanship
• 00:02:26 — Calvert’s PhD and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
• 00:06:05 — Museum object handling to ensure historical accuracy and preservation.
• 00:08:42 — Photography significance in restoration, capturing details otherwise lost.

Learn more:

• You buy Robyne’s book The Mack here
• Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
• Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
• Sponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)