Mackintosh writing desk returns to Hill House in Helensburgh

The desk, designed at the turn of the 20th century, was commissioned by publisher Walter Blackie, the first owner of the Mackintosh-designed and built Hill House.

The desk was designed in 1904 and made the following year from ebonised mahogany with insets of mother of pearl, ivory, and glass.

It is referred to by some as the kimono desk due to its shape.

The desk is jointly owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which cares for the Hill House, and Glasgow City Council.

The desk was designed in 1904 (Image: NTS) In recent years, it has been on display in the Mackintosh and Glasgow Style gallery at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is operated by Glasgow Life Museums.

It will be at home in the Hill House for approximately two years, until it moves back to Kelvingrove when the comprehensive restoration project of the interior of the house, supported by The National Heritage Lottery Fund, is expected to begin in 2027.

Louise Baker, NTS operations manager, said: "We’re delighted that through this partnership, visitors to the Hill House will be able to view this iconic piece of furniture back in its original home once more."

The Hill House is embarking on a £20 million restoration to secure its long-term future against Scottish weather.

Bosses said work to improve the interior of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed home, and significant research and a new visitor centre, will also be part of the project.

The desk will move to Helensburgh for two years before being taken back to the Kelvingrove (Image: NTS) Alison Brown, Glasgow Life museums curator, said: "Back in 2002 the significant support of The National Lottery Fund and the Art Fund enabled Glasgow City Council and the National Trust for Scotland to jointly acquire this important piece of furniture by Mackintosh at auction.

"The co-ownership and our partnership mean the desk can be displayed and enjoyed by visitors in two distinct heritage contexts."

The Hill House is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.