Port Vendres Mackintosh exhibition to run and run

The exhibition formed part of an official programme of events funded by the Scottish Executive, commemorating the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, a celebration of the long-standing tradition of cultural co-operation and understanding that exists between Scotland and France

With the Lord Provost's personal piper leading a procession of kilts and Catalan costumes around the town, a commemorative plaque was inaugurated on the building where Mackintosh stayed, and six reproductions of his paintings were unveiled in situ, where the originals were created. As well as his architectural and design works, Mackintosh produced over 200 watercolours, of which more than 40 were painted after moving to the Roussillon region of France. The exhibition acted as the beginnings of a trail which will be extended next year, to follow Mackintosh's journeys throughout the Pyrénées Orientales.

During the summer, the exhibition attracted about 4000 visitors, with its run being extended by public demand. Word of its popularity spread around the region, leading to requests from other galleries, and so in September the exhibition travelled to Ile Sur Têt, before moving on to Marseilles in October, Perpignan in November and Montpellier in December.

Even more excitingly, the exhibition's success has resulted in plans to establish a permanent Charles Rennie Mackintosh Centre in Port Vendres, which will house a continuing exhibition, and provide performance and exhibition space for a year-round programme of cultural events, which it is hoped will provide the hub for an ongoing programme of dialogue and exchange between Scotland and France.

The spin-off from this year's Entente Cordiale initiative has also led to the creation of links aimed at joint developments in cultural tourism and further exchanges between Port Vendres and Glasgow, not only in the field of art, education and sport but also in commerce. Scottish fish and furniture are currently being marketed in Port Vendres, while a Vin de Mackintosh (red, white and rosé) was launched in Glasgow on 11th August.

What began life as a relatively small-scale cultural event to mark the Entente Cordiale celebrations has reawakened awareness of long-established cultural and trade links between Scotland and France, with Mackintosh's works of art leaving a lasting legacy in more ways than one.