images by Alison McCandlish
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has welcomed the news that no-one was hurt in the tragic fire that engulfed the Glasgow School of Art, the globally-renowned masterpiece by Scotland’s much-revered architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and that all governments seem so prepared to ensure that finance will not obstruct the restoration of a ‘priceless gem’.
IHBC Chair Mike Brown said: ‘We are of course relieved that no-one has been hurt in this tragedy, while the cross-government commitment to fund the work needed to bring this building back to life is particularly good news, especially in these current times when too often the purse rules the place. Recreating the most authentic Mackintosh experience possible here is the best way to show our gratitude to those many involved in the creation and care of this famous Scottish emblem, and will serve as an impressive thanks to the hard-working firemen, staff and students who have done so much to help protect as much as possible of its heritage.’
‘As the world looks to our heritage sector to advise on how to move forward, we need to plan carefully. Perhaps the best we can do for now is to learn the lessons, disseminate good practice, and advise on how to re-establish in any new work the unique experience that this magnificent and original building generated, sensitively, viably and respectfully’.
‘We have no doubt that our 2014 Annual School, which takes place next week in Edinburgh, will engage strongly with the implications of the fire, not least as it’s theme, the ‘Art of conservation’ is such a resonant topic under these current circumstances.’
IHBC President Trefor Thorpe added: ’Art Nouveau was a passion of mine when I was an architectural student and Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of Art epitomised all that was marvelous about it for me. I was therefore immensely shocked and saddened to see the events unfolding in Glasgow last week, as I am sure so many of us were.’
‘I used to have a couple of Mackintosh quotes pinned up in my study, one of which seems particularly apt now…’Let every artist strive to make his flower a beautiful living thing, something that will convince the world that there may be, there are, things more precious more beautiful – more lasting than life itself’.
‘Glasgow School of Art was one of those precious things so let us hope that we can resurrect this absolute gem from the ashes’
There are good news reports on the GSA website at http://gsapress.blogspot.co.uk
Anyone wishing to offer any kind of support or assistance can do so HERE
The GSA ‘how to help’ link is on the IHBC’s Facebook page
ICON have been using their networks for practical help HERE
See HERE for where they are asking for any offers of practical help or donations.
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service updates
