The Willow Tea Rooms Building is recognised internationally as the only surviving tea room designed in its entirety by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Mackintosh had total control over both the architecture and decorative elements, down to the design of the cutlery and the waitress’s uniforms.

The major restoration project, led by the Willow Tea Rooms Trust (WTRT), will conserve and interpret the building’s unique heritage. With an expected 150,000 visitors each year, a new interactive visitor centre will be included celebrating the achivevements of the tea rooms owner, Miss Cranston, as an early female entrepreneur, as well as the works of Mackintosh. An education and learning suite, conference facilities and shop will also be added to ensure that the project is sustainable for future generations.

Celia Sinclair, Founder and Chair of the Willow Tea Room Trust said: “Thanks to National Lottery players the important cultural and rich heritage of the Willow Tea Rooms Building will be conserved and opened up for many more people to enjoy.”

[quote=Celia Sinclair, Founder and Chair of the Willow Tea Room Trust ]“The Tea Rooms Building will become a focal point for cultural tourism in the city"[/quote]

Visit Glasgow to see Mackintosh

“The tea rooms building will become a focal point for cultural tourism in the city, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Just as many people intrinsically link Barcelona with Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright with Chicago, we want them to visit Glasgow to see Mackintosh. The building will give countless visitors the opportunity to learn more about Mackintosh as well as enjoy a cup of tea in the unique surroundings of a Mackintosh building.”

Lucy Casot, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “What better way to celebrate Scotland’s Year of History Heritage & Archaeology than to support the revival of these famous tea rooms. Thanks to players of the National Lottery, we are delighted that works by one of Scotland’s greatest and most influential designers will be restored so that they can be enjoyed by all as they were first intended.”