July 26, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\nGlasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty was tasked with creating a \u201cpowerful new symbol\u201d to celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which began with bowls and para bowls at the SEC last Thursday.<\/p>\n
The work is a reinterpretation of Mackintosh\u2019s rose motif.<\/p>\n
Glasgow stepped in at the last minute to host the event when Victoria, Australia, was forced to withdraw its plans.<\/p>\n
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SuppliedThe sculpture was designed by Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cAs someone who came to Glasgow to study at The Glasgow School of Art before making the city my home, this has been an extraordinary commission to create\u201d, Emer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mackintosh\u00a0rose\u00a0is recognised around the world, and to see it reimagined at this scale, suspended from the\u00a0Finnieston\u00a0Crane, has been incredibly special. I hope people see a work that celebrates Glasgow\u2019s creativity, optimism and character, and feel the affection for the city that inspired every part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Originally being unveiled prior to the opening ceremony of the Games at the Hydro, the artwork has now been hoisted onto the crane to celebrate the first official week of the competition.<\/p>\n
With Team Scotland currently third in the medal table, events will continue from Monday.<\/p>\n
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SuppliedThe sculpture has been hung from the Finnieston Crane Supplied<\/p>\n
Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said:\u00a0\u201cThis is far more than a spectacular artwork. It is the coming together of two of Glasgow\u2019s greatest icons.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether they create a powerful symbol of the Glasgow we are welcoming people to today \u2013 creative, confident,\u00a0bold\u00a0and proudly looking to the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels entirely fitting that this has been created not only in honour of one of Glasgow\u2019s greatest artistic legacies, but by one of Glasgow\u2019s exciting new artistic voices. That\u2019s exactly what these Games are about, celebrating where we\u2019ve come from while championing the talent shaping where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthew Williams, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, has said:\u00a0\u201cCharles Rennie Mackintosh has been at the heart of Scottish culture for over 150 years, so it\u2019s exciting to see an interpretation of his work included as part of the Commonwealth Games and to showcase the work of emerging Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and city convener for culture, sport and international relations, said: \u201cGlasgow has a world-leading reputation for hosting ground-breaking international major events that seamlessly blend sport and culture, and this contemporary rendering of Mackintosh\u2019s iconic rose is a perfect example of this.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only will The Glasgow Rose stand as a powerful symbol of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, but it is also a significant way marker as we approach the centenary of the death of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, which will be commemorated in 2028.\u201d<\/p>\n
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