Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired Commonwealth Games artwork hung from Finnieston Crane

A Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired artwork has been hung from the Finnieston Crane to mark the first full week of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Organisers of the games said the sculpture is a tribute to the city’s “industrial and artistic heritage” and pays homage to one of Glasgow’s most recognisable landmarks, the crane.

Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty was tasked with creating a “powerful new symbol” to celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which began with bowls and para bowls at the SEC last Thursday.

The work is a reinterpretation of Mackintosh’s rose motif.

Glasgow stepped in at the last minute to host the event when Victoria, Australia, was forced to withdraw its plans.

The sculpture was designed by Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty Supplied

“As someone who came to Glasgow to study at The Glasgow School of Art before making the city my home, this has been an extraordinary commission to create”, Emer said.

“The Mackintosh rose is recognised around the world, and to see it reimagined at this scale, suspended from the Finnieston Crane, has been incredibly special. I hope people see a work that celebrates Glasgow’s creativity, optimism and character, and feel the affection for the city that inspired every part of it.”

Originally being unveiled prior to the opening ceremony of the Games at the Hydro, the artwork has now been hoisted onto the crane to celebrate the first official week of the competition.

With Team Scotland currently third in the medal table, events will continue from Monday.

The sculpture has been hung from the Finnieston Crane Supplied

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “This is far more than a spectacular artwork. It is the coming together of two of Glasgow’s greatest icons.

“Together they create a powerful symbol of the Glasgow we are welcoming people to today – creative, confident, bold and proudly looking to the future.

“It feels entirely fitting that this has been created not only in honour of one of Glasgow’s greatest artistic legacies, but by one of Glasgow’s exciting new artistic voices. That’s exactly what these Games are about, celebrating where we’ve come from while championing the talent shaping where we’re going.”

Matthew Williams, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, has said: “Charles Rennie Mackintosh has been at the heart of Scottish culture for over 150 years, so it’s exciting to see an interpretation of his work included as part of the Commonwealth Games and to showcase the work of emerging Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty.”

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and city convener for culture, sport and international relations, said: “Glasgow has a world-leading reputation for hosting ground-breaking international major events that seamlessly blend sport and culture, and this contemporary rendering of Mackintosh’s iconic rose is a perfect example of this.

“Not only will The Glasgow Rose stand as a powerful symbol of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, but it is also a significant way marker as we approach the centenary of the death of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, which will be commemorated in 2028.”