The blue glass droplets set in to the windows of the Billiard Room are some of the most captivating yet simple decorative features of the original Willow Tearooms Building.
The Billiard Room is located on the second floor of 217 Sauchiehall Street and occupies the space directly above the Salon de Luxe. From the outside of the building, this can be identified as the three windows above the bowed second floor windows, taking on the first features that will make up the asymmetric facade as it grows upwards.
Mackintosh was aware of the psychological effects of light and the way it could alter the emotional reaction to a space. Delicate details such as this play with light and dark in a way that manipulate the psyche. The use of dark swirling blue colours again the othere, transparent panes of glass added to this concept.
The windows are leaded glass constructs made from a series of small panels that are in keeping with a slightly older architectural ideal than Mackintosh usual presents. This may have been because it was cheaper to use small panes of glass and Mackintosh has applied his allowances on more important parts of the building. It may also be because it was more in keeping with the concept of a country house, with more antique design notions.
A theme of tear drop shapes is seen throughout the building, likely meant as representations of the catkins of a willow tree or perhaps the linking element of water that is intrinsically connected to the willow trees symbolism. In the Billiard Room they can be found inserted in a line across the upper section of the windows, providing an additional pop of royal blue to the space. When the Willow Tea Rooms Trust took over 217 Sauchiehall street the Billiard Room was being used as a store room and had suffered serious damage and poorly applied modern interiors. We are proud to be able to present the Billiard Room to the public in its first fully restored state since its primary conception in 1903.
If you are interested in hiring the Billiard Room for meetings or events please get in touch with the events team at Mackintosh at the Willow through isabella@mackintoshatthewillow.com
