The Willow was the only tea room building where Mackintosh had complete control over every aspect of the design. He modelled the exterior as well as the interior of the building and even designed the tea spoons and waitresses' dresses.
The Willow name comes from Sauchiehall, the street where it is situated, which in Scottish Gaelic means alley of the willows and the theme of willows featured throughout the building.

Of all the interiors created by Mackintosh, the Room de Luxe, with its silver furniture and leaded glass work, was the jewel in the crown of his twenty year partnership with Cranston and was so exclusive, customers willingly paid a penny more for their cup of tea.

The design of both the furniture and interior on the Gallery were very different from the Room de Luxe. While the Room de Luxe was bright and feminine, the Gallery was darker and masculine.

 

 

 

 

 

The Gallery