TTKS visits: House for an Art Lover in Glasgow

Fun celebrity fact: did you know that Brad Pitt is a huge fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, once even going as far as releasing a collec­tion of furniture inspired by the work of Glasgow’s greatest architect? No doubt the Hollywood heartthrob would be smitten by House for an Art Lover, which was designed by Mackintosh in 1901 but only built in the 1990s.

Where is House for an Art Lover?

Set in a secluded corner of leafy Bellahouston Park (mere minutes from the city centre – it’s right off the M8 and there’s ample free parking), it has established itself as one of Glasgow’s loveliest wedding venues. 

Where are weddings held at House for an Art Lover?

The jewel in the crown is the first-floor Mackintosh Suite. Book it, and you’ll have exclusive use of the suite for the duration of your ceremony, drinks and wedding dinner.

It consists of three rooms – the Music Room, the Oval Room and the Main Hall / Dining Room – all of which can be configured in different layouts for each part of the day, de­pen­ding on guest numbers (120 is the maximum).  

I take a tour with events manager Kate Kaczor and wedding coordinator Lauren Friel, and find myself utterly charmed by its Art Nouveau elegance and the pretty pink Mackintosh Rose motif that appears everywhere.

“It really doesn’t need any extra decoration, unless that’s what the couple want,” says Kate. I’d agree: the rooms have genuine wow factor exactly as they are.

“The layout means the day can flow smoothly – from ceremony to drinks to dinner to cake-cutting – without any downtime for room turnarounds,” she adds.  

Wedding ceremonies at House for an Art Lover

The Main Hall / Dining Room, which can be joined or separated by folding doors, is a dramatic space, with dark wood panelling, lofty ceilings and a grand staircase that’s perfect for someone to sweep down at the start of the ceremony. Vows are often exchanged in front of the stencilled wall and fireplace in the Dining Room. 

I’d imagine that stepping into the light-filled Music Room would feel like a proper ‘reveal’ moment during the wedding, as its ivory and pastel scheme is such a contrast to that of its neighbour. Kate points out the beautiful piano in one corner. “It can be played by any musical guest,” she says, or the team can recommend a pianist.  

She also notes that, as part of the various flexible wedding packages available, on-the-day stationery such as place cards and menus are printed in the iconic Mackintosh font, a sweet touch.  

Find other package-led wedding venues in Scotland here

There’s a spacious alfresco terrace, accessed from the Music Room, that looks out over the park below. “It’s licensed for drinks (as is the terrace off the Art Lovers’ Bar, more on which shortly) and is popular for group photos,” adds Kate.  

The petite Oval Room, the last room in the suite, is commonly used as a private sanctuary for the newlyweds.

“I always recommend they take a five-minute breather here over the course of the day,” says Lauren. “We have also hosted elopements in this room.” 

Wedding receptions at House for an Art Lover

With pristine ivory carpets and precious furniture, it’s no surprise that the Mackintosh Suite isn’t really suited to a raucous ceilidh or disco – these take place downstairs in the Art Lovers’ Bar, where 30 further guests can join the fun. All you need to add is some entertain­ment... and I can recommend a Brad Pitt lookalike for starters.