Three heritage HEROINES

Meet the women saving beauties for future generations to enjoy saving rare architectural

- STEPHANIE CLARKSON

Stunning tea rooms

Entrepreneur Celia Sinclair is the Founder and Patron of The Willow Tea Rooms Trust. In 2014, she bought the Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow, now called Mackintosh at the Willow, and oversaw the restoration to the original designs of architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

For as long as I can remember, I've been inspired by Glasgow's art and architecture. When I came to restore the Willow Tea Rooms I knew that, besides being a faithful restoration, I wanted the project to inspire young people.

I was a trustee of The Glasgow Art Club when I heard the tea rooms were at risk. They were opened in 1903 by entrepreneur Kate Cranston and were the height of elegance. Mackintosh was given carte blanche to design everything – the facade, fixtures, carpeting, furniture – even the crockery.

The building had deteriorated and was about to be auctioned off, so I bought it and established the Trust.

Four years later, we launched to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s death, with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at the opening.