Glasgow School of Art on fire

One of Scotland’s most significant historic buildings severely damaged

A fire has destroyed parts of the main building of the Glasgow School of Art. Designed by the world renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the building from the early 20th century is an architectural masterpiece of outstanding international significance. The fire started about lunchtime on Friday, 23 May 2014 and appears to have damaged mostly the western part of the building.

The building, still in use as an art school, was heavily occupied at the time, with students preparing their end-of-term exhibitions. No-one has been harmed in the incident. Apart from student art work, the building also contains culturally significant interiors and art works from Mackintosh and many other artist. Scotland’s fire service, working throughout the night, are now reporting that the fire has been contained with “more than 90% of the structure … viable and … up to 70% of the contents [protected]”.

Further information is available online on the BBC website.

source: DOCOMOMO Scotland