13.06.2014
How one of Scotland’s cultural icons is to be rebuilt will be the focus for the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee next week (17 June) as it holds a one off evidence session on the Glasgow School of Art.
One of Scotland’s best loved and most recognisable buildings, the Mackintosh building at the Glasgow School of Art suffered severe damage as a result of a fire on 23 May. As well as the loss of Mackintosh’s signature library, many students also lost degree show artwork. This work was the culmination of years of study and preparation.
The Committee will hear how the school itself will be rebuilt as well as the support being put in place for the students affected.
Committee Convener Stewart Maxwell MSP said:
“What the Glasgow School of Art has added to Scotland’s cultural landscape cannot be overestimated. It has been the starting point for some of the world’s leading artistic talent and an inspiration for many more.
“The pictures we saw were devastating and we were all saddened when it looked like Mackintosh’s masterpiece would be lost. However, it is thanks to the fantastic work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that so much of the infrastructure and contents were saved.
“Our Committee will hear from those involved in the restoration of the building and support of students to find out what is being done to ensure that Glasgow School of Art remains one of Scotland’s cultural icons and can continue to inspire future generations of artists at home and abroad.”
During the evidence session, the Committee will hear from:
- Professor Tom Inns, Director Glasgow School of Art
- Sam De Santis, President Glasgow School of Art Student Association
- Diana Murray, Joint Chief Executive and Ranald MacInnes, Head of Heritage Management from Historic Scotland (who will play a leading role in the salvage, storage and restoration of the building)
Background
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Mackintosh building at the Glasgow School of Art is unique in that it is a working art school as well as a work of art itself. Completed in 1909, the detail of the building shows the craft of Scotland’s most famous architect and designer.
Following the fire, the Scottish Fire Rescue Service said that 90% of the infrastructure and 70% of the contents were saved.
The Scottish Government has announced it will provide up to £5m of match funding for the restoration of the building. The Scottish Government will also work with the Glasgow School of Art to develop a bursary scheme to support the students who have lost their work as a result of the fire.