Here's what we know:
* Mackintosh's Marriage to Margaret Macdonald: Mackintosh was married to Margaret Macdonald, a fellow artist and designer, who was also a key figure in the Glasgow Style movement. They were married in 1900 and their relationship remained strong throughout their lives.
* Mackintosh's Affliction: Mackintosh suffered from an unspecified affliction that likely caused him to experience bouts of depression. This is often cited as a contributing factor to the difficulties in his marriage.
* The Mary Sturrock Connection: Mary Sturrock was a young woman who was employed as a domestic servant in the Mackintosh household. While there's no evidence of a romantic relationship between Mackintosh and Sturrock, there are accounts suggesting she played a significant role in his life.
* The "Wife" of Mackintosh's Later Years: Mackintosh and Margaret had no children. Sturrock, having served as the Mackintosh household's domestic servant, moved in with them later in their lives, eventually taking on a more caretaker role. Some accounts refer to Sturrock as "Mrs. Mackintosh," though she never formally held that title.
* Speculation and Interpretation: While there's no strong evidence of a romantic relationship between Mackintosh and Sturrock, the dynamic of their connection has been interpreted in various ways. Some suggest that it was primarily a caretaker/patient relationship, while others speculate on a deeper bond, possibly influenced by Mackintosh's affliction and his strained relationship with Margaret.
The Lack of Definitive Information: There is no conclusive evidence to definitively define the nature of the relationship between Mackintosh and Sturrock. This lack of information leads to ongoing speculation and interpretation.
It's crucial to remember that interpreting historical figures and relationships requires a nuanced approach, taking into account the social context and the limited information available. While Sturrock's role in Mackintosh's life remains shrouded in mystery, she was undoubtedly a significant figure, especially in his later years.