A February 2024 report in Scotland’s The Herald newspaper has detailed forensic analysis of a 144 year old photograph that may feature Charles Rennie Mackintosh when twelve years old [1].
For three years from 1880 Mackintosh is known to have attended Allen Glen’s School. A very early photo with annotations that it featured Mackintosh had come to light some time ago [2]. The date of the photo corresponds with Mackintosh’s time there.
Dr Tobias Houlton at CAHID in Dundee was commissioned by the school’s club to carry out a facial recognition analysis of the photo comparing it with known images of the adult Mackintosh.
Though not conclusive, the most likely candidate from more than fifty boys shown in the photo has been isolated. Factors such as face shape and composition, hair density, texture, and style and the potential for the known adult facial features of Mackintosh to develop from the candidate boy were all considered. ‘Pupil 2’ ( as the boy in the photo was designated ) might well be the only known image of the young Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Dr Houlton has suggested that even though the scientific work cannot offer conclusive proof public opinion may help to firm up a verdict. Early reactions from our Duille social media audience ( who are often Mackintosh fans and therefore familiar with photographs of him ) have instantly identified ‘Pupil 2’ as Mackintosh. We set up a poll to collate views – please let us have your thoughts …
Is this the young Charles Rennie Mackintosh?
References 1. “Is this one of the first ever photos of Charles Rennie Mackintosh?”. Craig Williams, The Herald. 17-2-24. Retrieved 18-2-24. Original article link ( paywalled ): https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24123360.one-first-ever-photos-charles-rennie-mackintosh/ 2. Allan Glen’s School Club Newsletter, March 2014. Retrieved 18-2-24. 3. Image : Dr TMR Houlton / University of Dundee. Retrieved 18-2-24.
Young Mackintosh?
Image credit: Dr TMR Houlton [3].
A February 2024 report in Scotland’s The Herald newspaper has detailed forensic analysis of a 144 year old photograph that may feature Charles Rennie Mackintosh when twelve years old [1].
For three years from 1880 Mackintosh is known to have attended Allen Glen’s School. A very early photo with annotations that it featured Mackintosh had come to light some time ago [2]. The date of the photo corresponds with Mackintosh’s time there.
Dr Tobias Houlton at CAHID in Dundee was commissioned by the school’s club to carry out a facial recognition analysis of the photo comparing it with known images of the adult Mackintosh.
Though not conclusive, the most likely candidate from more than fifty boys shown in the photo has been isolated. Factors such as face shape and composition, hair density, texture, and style and the potential for the known adult facial features of Mackintosh to develop from the candidate boy were all considered. ‘Pupil 2’ ( as the boy in the photo was designated ) might well be the only known image of the young Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Dr Houlton has suggested that even though the scientific work cannot offer conclusive proof public opinion may help to firm up a verdict. Early reactions from our Duille social media audience ( who are often Mackintosh fans and therefore familiar with photographs of him ) have instantly identified ‘Pupil 2’ as Mackintosh. We set up a poll to collate views – please let us have your thoughts …
References
1. “Is this one of the first ever photos of Charles Rennie Mackintosh?”. Craig Williams, The Herald. 17-2-24. Retrieved 18-2-24.
Original article link ( paywalled ): https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24123360.one-first-ever-photos-charles-rennie-mackintosh/
2. Allan Glen’s School Club Newsletter, March 2014. Retrieved 18-2-24.
3. Image : Dr TMR Houlton / University of Dundee. Retrieved 18-2-24.