It was with great shock and sadness that I learnt the fate of the Glasgow School of Art last week.
The fire broke out on Friday 23 May around lunchtime, and swept through the building from basement level to the rooftop, engulfing the entire West wing. Fire destroyed the famous Mackintosh library, furniture gallery and lecture rooms, as well as extensive damage throughout the historic complex.
Designed in 1908, by the then 28 year old Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the first stage of the building was completed by 1909. It was his signature work as an architect, designer and craftsman. Whilst the devastation paints a sombre picture of the building and fittings, thankfully a fire proof bunker safeguarded the school's archive and furniture collection by up to 70%.
Current graduate folios were also destroyed in the blaze, which is a devastating blow to students. In time, I hope that the school can be rebuilt and restored to it's former glory.
Images: Great Buildings.com and Scottish Fire Service