The Macallan Tree of Life in Lalique 46 Year Old 46.2 abv 1979 (1 Bottle 70cl + 1 Stained Glass Artwork)

The Macallan Tree of Life in Lalique 46 Year Old 46.2 abv 1979 (1 Bottle 70cl + 1 Stained Glass Artwork)

This lot is offered Duty Paid With VAT On the Hammer Price.

The Tree of Life 46 Year Old by The Macallan, created in collaboration with the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, is inspired by the works of Mackintosh and his profound connection to nature, a connection shared and deeply felt by The Macallan.

One of only 112 bottles produced, bottle #2 is offered directly by The Macallan Distillery, with the interior of the wooden box adorned in purple leather, exclusive to this auction piece. The lot also includes an incredibly special replica of a stained glass panel, The Spirit of the Rose, created by Mackintosh in 1902. Proceeds from this lot will be donated to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.

The Whisky

This single malt whisky is a unique, vibrant and complex expression that has been created to mark the age that Scottish architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh reconnected with nature completely, at 46 years of age.

Combining two sherry-seasoned oak casks distilled in 1979, notes of tropical fruits, complex wood spice and notes of antique oak are demonstrative of its age and evoke the sentiment of Mackintosh’s unique designs crafted from wood, in Scotland, many years ago.

Decanter & Sculpture

An exquisite sculpture envelops the Lalique crystal decanter, taking inspiration from the intricate metalwork Mackintosh designed to adorn his architecture.

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The wooden rings represent the passage of time, as with a growth ring in a tree, and bear an inscription taken from a poem commissioned for the collaboration.

​The decanter is finished with an iconic crystal rose stopper inspired by ‘The Spirit of the Rose’ stained-glass panel by Mackintosh. Each Lalique crystal decanter is unique and has been hand engraved with an edition number on the base.

The Spirit of the Rose stained glass panel, Charles Rennie Mackintosh - 1902

In his stained glass panel ‘The Spirit of the Rose’ Mackintosh gracefully captures the philosophy of the tree of life with unique and iconic visual character. His artistic interpretation of the perpetual advance of nature inspired the creation of The Tree of Life.

​The exquisite stained glass panel was exhibited as part of the Mackintoshes​

room setting, the ‘Rose Boudoir’, at the important International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Art, Turin, in 1902.​

The design shows a stylised ‘rose lady’ in profile, as if this ethereal female figure is evolving from a butterfly. This is closely related to Mackintosh’s graphic designs of that period, where coloured glass was regularly incorporated into Mackintosh’s furniture and interiors of the early 1900s as inset panels. The metamorphosis of the butterfly into the feminine form can symbolise change, hope and life. Like the tree of life, butterflies are a deep and powerful representation of life.​

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This lot includes one of only two replica pieces ever to have been created, with the other held by The Macallan Distillery.

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Scottish glass artist Pamela Freedman carefully studied Mackintosh’s original glass panel on display at the Hunterian, Glasgow. Then, over several months, sourced authentic glass and leading and set to work recreating the the design with traditional methods and materials. Some of the dark blue glass is from surplus restoration glass used in the Blue Heart window at Mackintosh Queens Cross – the only church ever to be built to a Mackintosh design. ​

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The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society is an independent, non-profit charity founded in 1973 to champion the life, work and legacy of Scotland’s renowned architect, artist and designer. For over 50 years, the Society has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Mackintosh’s heritage, including the restoration and ongoing stewardship of Queen’s Cross Church in Glasgow.

Acting as a leading voice for Mackintosh’s legacy, the Society supports education, outreach and advocacy, while also monitoring the condition of his buildings and encouraging their care and investment. Its recent Mackintosh Buildings Survey marks the first comprehensive assessment of his architectural works, highlighting their cultural importance and setting out plans for their future protection.

With only a limited number of Mackintosh buildings surviving today, the Society’s work is essential in safeguarding this rare and internationally significant heritage for future generations.

1 bottle 70cl + 1 stained glass artwork (original presentation case)

Please refer to images for levels and conditions

LYING IN GREENFORD, MIDDLESEX Offered Duty Paid With VAT On the Hammer Price

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