This textile design was produced by Charles Rennie Mackintosh during his time in Chelsea (1915-1923). It featured in the 78 Derngate Centenary Exhibition “Charles Rennie Mackintosh & The Great War“.
The tulip is the commonly attributed source for this design, but the plant is so abstracted that it could as easily be a reference to the plant honesty, or a closed flower bud. Mackintosh explored this theme in a number of designs, experimenting with other variations in detailing and colour schemes.
Mackintosh turned to commercial textile design during the years he and Margaret Macdonald spent in London. They rank among the most progressive designs of the period in Britain.
Image and information reproduced by kind permission of and is © The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University of Glasgow.
Clicking on the catalogue number link below will take you to the Hunterian website where further information may be available. All enquiries about usage of this image, access to the original work and information should be directed to The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery catalogue information.
Textile design: stylised tulips
CRE MACKINTOSH, Charles Rennie; (Scottish; 1868-1928)
pencil and watercolour on brown tracing paper 39.5 x 28.6
Catalogue number: 41493