On this page:
- Family activity: Traditional Japanese cuisine for planetary health
- The Glasgow Style 2024: Make a beaded silver brooch with Laura Murray
- Free building tours for Doors Open Day festival weekend
- The Dug Out 2024: A talk about the Scottish Temperance Movement with Dr Elspeth King
- Family activity: Make a willow tree night light
- The Glasgow Style 2024: Make a hand-bound book with Toben Lewis
- Halloween family activity: Enchanted Tea Room adventures
- Halloween adult event: Spirits of the Tea Rooms
- Decorating gingerbread cookies
Creative Learning Events at Mackintosh at the Willow offer different ways to engage with and discover the stories of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, his wife Margaret Macdonald and their patron, the Edwardian businesswoman Kate Cranston, through regular adult art workshops, public talks, special seasonal events and a popular family activity programme during the school holidays.
Family activity: Traditional Japanese cuisine for planetary health
Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 September, morning session: 10.30–12.30 and afternoon session: 14.00–16.00
Tickets: FREE
Join us to take part in a University of Glasgow research project about food consciousness, Japanese tradition and eating for planetary health. The workshop runs across two Saturdays, and participants will be expected to attend both sessions and complete questionnaires as part of the research. Participants can choose to attend morning sessions or afternoon sessions. During the sessions, participants will design their own Willow Pattern plate to take home and use, make temari sushi with celebrated London sushi chef Akemi Yokoyama, learn more about the Japanese concept of Mottainai, which means ‘what a waste’ which refers to valuing things rather than wasting them. Workshops are suitable for children 7–12 years old and one accompanying adult. Places are limited, and booking is essential, so please only book if you are able to attend both dates.
These workshops are free, but booking is essential.
For more information, feel free to reach out to obraid@nts.org.uk or call 0141 332 7696.
The Glasgow Style 2024: Make a beaded silver brooch with Laura Murray
Saturday 21 September, 10.30–16.00,
Tickets: £80.00 (includes all materials, food and beverages)
This workshop is part of The Glasgow Style: Saturday Art Workshops for Adults in 2024. Join us to explore techniques linked to the renowned Glasgow Style in our adult workshops, which also include a tour of the original Willow Tea Rooms building, expert guidance, and refreshments in our charming tea rooms.
Join tutor Laura Murray for a fantastic workshop where you’ll learn to craft a stunning beaded silver brooch, drawing inspiration from the beautiful colour palette of Margaret Macdonald’s Salon de Luxe gesso panel. The day kicks off with a tour of our historic Willow Tea Room, leading into the jewellery-making session. It includes a break for scones, cream, and jam, paired with your choice of tea or coffee.
Free building tours for Doors Open Day festival weekend
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September, morning tour: 09.00 and afternoon tour: 17.00
Tickets: FREE
Have you ever walked past the original Willow Tea Rooms building on Sauchiehall Street and wondered what it might be like inside?
We invite you to join us for a unique free tour that delves into the history and design of this iconic building, showcasing the restoration of a true Mackintosh gem. Discover the fascinating tales behind the tea rooms and witness the remarkable interior design crafted by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald, who embraced an Art Nouveau ‘total artwork’ philosophy. The tour will take you through the ground-floor saloons, as well as the more exclusive Salon de Luxe and Billiard Room.
Free, but booking is essential.
The Dug Out 2024: A talk about the Scottish Temperance Movement with Dr Elspeth King
Sunday 6 October, 13.00–14.30
Tickets: £12.50
In this talk, Dr Elspeth King will explore the journey of the Scottish Temperance Movement, starting from its inception in October 1829 and highlighting key milestones, including the prohibition of licensed establishments on Glasgow Corporation properties in 1890, which transformed the city into a hub for tea rooms. Dr King, a retired museum curator, has an impressive background, having worked at the People’s Palace in Glasgow — where she wrote the first history of Scottish temperance — as well as at Abbot House in Dunfermline and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
This event is part of The Dug Out: Sunday Afternoon Talks for the Public in 2024. Join us and dig deeper into the rich history and inspirations behind the original Willow Tea Rooms building through our engaging series of public talks. Each session is led by an expert in their field and includes an opportunity for questions, along with a serving of tea or coffee and home-made shortbread in one of our charming historical tea rooms.
Family activity: Make a willow tree night light
Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October, 14.00–15.30
Tickets: £6
As the evenings grow darker, why not add a little sparkle to your nights? Join us for a fun workshop where you can create your very own willow tree night light inspired by the beautiful lighting in our mezzanine. This event is perfect for kids aged 5–12, but everyone is welcome! Please remember that all children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to book your spot in advance. Both children and any adults who want to make a night light must reserve a paid place, while adults who are just accompanying a child do not need to book.
For more information, feel free to reach out to obraid@nts.org.uk or call 0141 332 7696.
The Glasgow Style 2024: Make a hand-bound book with Toben Lewis
Saturday 26 October, 10.30–16.00
Tickets: £90 (includes all materials, food and beverages)
Discover the art of hand-binding books with instructor Toben Lewis, drawing inspiration from Glasgow Style artists like Talwin Morris and Ethel Larcombe. The workshop kicks off with a guided tour of our historic venue, followed by the book-binding session and a relaxing break where soup, a sandwich and your choice of tea or coffee will be served.
This workshop is part of The Glasgow Style: Saturday Art Workshops for Adults in 2024. Join us to explore techniques linked to the renowned Glasgow Style in our adult workshops, which also include a tour of the original Willow Tea Rooms building, expert guidance, and refreshments in our charming tea rooms.
Halloween family activity: Enchanted Tea Room Adventures
Saturday 26 October, 14.00-16.00
Tickets: £13
Join us for an enchanting afternoon at the Enchanted Tea Room, where delightful adventures await children! Embark on a magical journey filled with fortune-telling and captivating historical stories, all brought to life by the incredible psychic abilities of Cara Hamilton. Additionally, participate in an engaging tasseomancy (tea leaf reading) workshop led by Avi Lago. Step into a realm where tea leaves unveil secrets and spirits come alive. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a fun and magical experience! Tickets for kids are £13.00, and an accompanying adult can join for free. Each ticket includes juice and a spooky cookie.
Tickets for kids are £13.00, and an accompanying adult can join for free. Each ticket includes juice and a spooky cookie.
Halloween adult event: Spirits of the Tea Rooms
Saturday 26 October, 18.15–21.15
Tickets: £29
Come and join us for a spellbinding evening filled with mystique, fortune-telling, mindreading, and historical fascination featuring Cara Hamilton and Avi Lago. Discover the Spirits of the Tea Rooms, where Avi Lago will guide you through the ancient practice of tasseomancy (tea leaf reading). Meanwhile, Cara Hamilton will take you on a journey through spiritualism, fortune-telling, historical artefacts, and extraordinary abilities.
Prepare to be transported to a world of mystery and intrigue in this historically accurate portrayal of the unknown. Immerse yourself in the mystical realm of Spirits of the Tea Rooms, where the future is unveiled in tea leaves and spirits whisper their secrets. Secure your spot now for an evening that you won't soon forget.
Tickets are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. Your ticket includes a selection of delicious canapes and a welcome cocktail to kick off the evening.
Decorating gingerbread cookies
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 14.00–15.30
Tickets: £6
Each participant will receive delicious gingerbread cookies, freshly baked in our kitchen, to decorate and take away with them to enjoy at home. The workshops are designed for kids aged 5-12, but everyone is invited to join in the fun. Space is limited, so it's important to book in advance.
Please note that all children must be with an adult. Both children and any adults who want to decorate cookies need to have a reserved paid spot, while adults who are just accompanying a child do not need to book a paid place.
