The Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street opened its doors for the first time in October 1903 and became one of the city’s most famous tea rooms during the period. It was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.The Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street opened its doors for the first time in October 1903 and became one of the city’s most famous tea rooms during the period. It was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.
The Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street opened its doors for the first time in October 1903 and became one of the city’s most famous tea rooms during the period. It was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.

Buildings of Glasgow: The history of the Willow Tea Rooms in six pictures

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 15th Oct 2024, 15:38 GMT
Updated 15th Oct 2024, 15:39 GMT

We take a look at the history of another iconic Glasgow building.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh had an immeasurable impact on the architectural landscape of the city of Glasgow. Their designs have become as close associated the city as any other architect has with any other city.

From the Glasgow School of Art to House of an Art Lover, the footprint of the designers are all over the city.

However, the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street are one of the most recognisable and accessible in the city.

We’ve take a look back over the history of the tea rooms to find out why they are so important.

However, the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street are one of the most recognisable and accessible in the city.

1983 was an important year for the tea rooms. That year the Willow Tea Rooms re-opened and the Room de Luxe was restored to its original decor. 30 years later, the building would undergo further restoration over the four year period between 2014-2018 - with many Mackintosh designs reproduced and reincorporated.

5. Then Prince Charles visits following restoration

1983 was an important year for the tea rooms. That year the Willow Tea Rooms re-opened and the Room de Luxe was restored to its original decor. 30 years later, the building would undergo further restoration over the four year period between 2014-2018 - with many Mackintosh designs reproduced and reincorporated. | Getty Images

In January 2024, it was announced that the National Trust of Scotland acquired ownership in the hope that it would ensure the long term viability of the tea rooms.

6. National Trust of Scotland take ownership

In January 2024, it was announced that the National Trust of Scotland acquired ownership in the hope that it would ensure the long term viability of the tea rooms. Photo: Mark F Gibson

Previous
2 / 2
Next Page
Related topics:HistoryGlasgow
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice