It is one thing to admire the achievements of Mackintosh the artist – his buildings, houses, churches… and his paintings, particularly his watercolours – and quite another to discover the man behind the legacy he left us. We were invited to a genuine encounter with Toshie during this 2026 edition of Escales à Port-Vendres, and this encounter was not without its emotional moments.
The text written by Pascale Garreau is based on extracts from ‘The Chronycle’, letters from Mackintosh to his wife Margaret Macdonald, written from Port-Vendres in 1927. It brings to life, with vivacity and lightness yet also with fidelity and authenticity, a character who deeply loved our port and our way of life—a discreet, seasoned artist who was exacting in his art, gifted with a refined sense of humour and a keen eye for port life and its inhabitants.
Philippe Parenty, our volunteer actor, brought him to life with ease and subtlety . We thus discovered a Toshie who seemed very much alive to us and took us on a tour of the quays of Port-Vendres. A connection was immediately established with the audience during the two walks.
We eventually realised, as we went along, just like our Toshie, that he was nothing more than a ghost. However, like all ghosts, he displayed a special connection with the unpredictable: the crowds on the quays and the weather. And so, on Saturday 18th, the group of participants enjoyed a wonderfully intimate atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowd. However, along came the first twist of fate: an oppressive heat set in during the walk, causing discomfort for some. And on Sunday the 19th, the stroll brought together more than thirty participants in a festive atmosphere, but as a second bit of mischief, whilst the weather had been fine up to that point, large raindrops began to fall on the group and gradually eased off, stopping just as the tour ended! What do you make of that?
Douglas Clarkson
7 May 2026I was lucky to visit Port-Vendres last year and appreciate all your earnest efforts regarding CRM.