Record details
| Title | 78 Derngate |
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| Description |
At the outer edge of the Cultural Quarter, surrounded by some impressive Georgian townhouses, is the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed 78 Derngate. It is the only house in England remodelled by the renowned Scottish designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in his iconic, modernist style. Mackintosh is known throughout the world for his Art Nouveau designs, but at 78 Derngate he adopted a completely different and dramatic style, using bold, deep colour amidst a sleek, dark backdrop. The house - named as winner of the Hidden Gem category at the 2019 UK Heritage Awards - is recognised as an early transition piece between the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Commissioned in 1916, the house was Mackintosh’s final major architectural work and not surprisingly, his patron was a modern and visionary man - Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke. Bassett-Lowke was recognised as one of Mackintosh’s most demanding, knowledgeable and progressive patrons and was married to Florence Jones, daughter of Charles Jones, founder of Crockett and Jones shoemakers, which still trades in Perry Street, Northampton. They bought 78 Derngate for their impending marriage in the spring of 1917. Bassett-Lowke was already interested in modern architecture, and was an early member of the Design and Industries Association, established in 1915 to encourage good design in all aspects of manufacture. Alongside the historic house are two art galleries featuring work from local artists and craft makers, a restaurant and tearoom, conference room and gift shop. A wander along Derngate itself reveals many fine examples of late Regency and early Victorian terraced houses. The Mackintosh House is open throughout the year, with guided tours available daily. Pre-booking is strongly advised, particularly at busy times. |
| Link | https://www.78derngate.org.uk/ |
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