Video: The Life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born on June 7, 1868 at 70 Parson Street in Glasgow’s Townhead area.

Although his work earned him international reknown in the decades after his death, the struggling artist died young, broke and in relative obscurity.

He was once engaged to the sister of his employer of his first architectural firm, but turned his back on friends of influence to follow his heart.

The Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Picture Robert Perry. Scotland on Sunday.

His wife, Margaret MacDonald, was an inspirational artist in her own right and often Mackintosh insisted her work cast a shadow on his own. He would call her a genius, adding “I just have talent”.

As a nationwide appreciation for textile prints and art nouveau swept Great Britain in the 20th Century, Mackintosh became a bigger icon than he ever was alive.

In the video above, we look at some of his career-defining works, relationships and early years.