England - Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928)
He is considered to be the founder of the so-called Glasgow Style.

His chairs, in particular, are among the most unusual turn-of-the-century designs; they are architecture in miniature, alone because the decorative element outweighs the practical value.

Long chair backs, geometric inlay work, chessboard patterns and latticework are characteristic of his furniture. The astonishing similarity to the designs of the Wiener Werkstätte ("Viennese workshops") is obvious.

It is no longer possible to determine who influenced whom. The first direct confrontation of the two took place at the Secession Exhibition in Vienna; Josef Hoffmann travelled to Glasgow to visit Mackintosh soon after.

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Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928).
© Christies New York, Masterworks 1900-2000, 8th June 00'