Lounge
March 10, 2015
HISTORY│Mackintosh: The Present and Past of a British Icon
Special commentary of MACKINTOSH
The Present and History of Mackintosh, a Masterpiece Representing Britain
Comedy, art, music, fashion… many elements of Britain's cultural scene are born from a fusion of unique sensibilities, traditional techniques, and the British environment. The Turner Prize, the most important award in the contemporary art world, can also be considered one such example. And Mackintosh, Britain's leading outerwear brand, was similarly born from nature and exceptional craftsmanship.
—How has this British masterpiece evolved?
Summary by Makoto Kaji (This Magazine)Photo by Jamandfix
History of MACKINTOSH
Functionality and Design Born from the British Environment and Ingenuity, Its Unique Aura
1822: The Birth of a High-Tech Material
The origin of Mackintosh, Britain's leading outerwear brand, dates back to 1822 with Charles Macintosh's invention of "Mackintosh Cloth."
At the time, waterproof fabric was limited to canvas treated with oil to improve water repellency. Therefore, the appearance of Mackintosh Cloth, with its superior waterproofing, sent shockwaves throughout Britain. In 1830, Charles Macintosh founded his own company to produce this special fabric and its coats, and the rubberized coat quickly spread throughout Europe. It subsequently gained popularity among the British upper classes as riding coats and, due to its high practicality, was adopted by the British Army and British Rail.
Craftsmanship That Endures Through Time
Mackintosh rubberized coats are still made today using the same methods as in the past. Waterproof tape is applied to the back of all sewn seams, and the lining and pockets are attached by bonding, ensuring complete waterproofing. This process involves artisans repeatedly applying a special glue to their fingers, stretching it, bonding it, rolling it, and drying it. As each coat is completed through this process, it goes without saying that only a limited number can be produced.
The Further Evolution of Mackintosh
Time passed, and while various materials, coats, and fashions emerged and faded, Mackintosh endured. Its unique scent, texture, and material feel continue to be supported by those around the world who appreciate true masterpieces. In recent years, through collaborations with various haute couture houses, it has gained even more brilliance and is established and recognized as a brand embodying modern British style, with the rubberized coat at its core.
If Mackintosh's aesthetic could be expressed in one phrase, it would be "Classic & Contemporary." It is built on a balance of tradition and modernity, eschewing ostentatious decoration. Beyond the rubberized coat, blousons, balmacaans (stadium coats), and quilted jackets, reflecting the history of British clothing, are also reinterpreted and have gained popularity under Mackintosh's design philosophy. Mackintosh will continue to evolve while preserving its heritage.
The Current History of British Art: The Turner Prize Exhibition
April 25, 2008 (Fri) – July 13, 2008 (Sun)
Opening Hours | Mon, Wed-Sun 10:00–22:00, Tue 10:00–17:00 *April 29 (Tue) and May 6 (Tue) open until 22:00
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
*Open daily during the exhibition period
Admission Fee | General ¥1500, Students (High School/University) ¥1000, Children (4 years to Junior High School) ¥500
*Prices include consumption tax.
*Your ticket for this exhibition also grants admission to the "MAM Project 007: Saskia Olde Wolbers" exhibition and the Tokyo City View observation deck. Valid only on the day of use.
Organized by | Mori Art Museum, Tate Britain, British Council, The Asahi Shimbun
Supported by | The Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Sponsored by | The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
Special Sponsorship | Yagi Tsusho Ltd., Mackintosh Limited
Sponsorship | Royal Bank of Scotland, RBS Securities Inc.
In cooperation with | Japan Airlines, Nicolas Feuillatte, Bombay Sapphire
Limited edition colors of MACKINTOSH GADGET bags are exclusively available on the web shopping magazine "L'HOMME".
