WILL THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART RISE FROM THE ASHES AGAIN?

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and fully completed in 1909, the Grade A-listed Mackintosh Building is one of the Glasgow’s most cherished architectural works, and one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the world. Before the recent fire broke out, the building was undergoing an extensive ￡35 million restoration following a previous fire in May 2014, in which 90% of the building and 70% of its contents were saved. The building was due to reopen sometime in 2019.

The restoration, which began in 2016, centered on the Mackintosh’s iconic library, using original wood species and historical documents. As part of the restoration, a fire suppression system was being installed which was reportedly weeks away from completion. In a cruel irony, large pumps needed for the water mist system had arrived at the construction site just one day before the fire.

After news that the art school would be rebuilt, recent drone footage and laser scans have revealed that parts of the facade have to be dismantled because they are unsafe, putting the future of the building in jeopardy.

The school has produced many of Britain’s leading contemporary artists, including Douglas Gordon, Alison Watt, David Shrigley, along with three recent winners of the Turner Prize: Simon Starling, who won in 2005; Richard Wright, 2009; and Martin Boyce, 2011.

The building had attracted around 25,000 visitors each year before the 2014 blaze, with tours conducted by art school students. It is a tragedy that this storied institution has been devastated and we hope it will be returned to its former glory.

Worst case scenarios sometimes happen, and while insurance cannot always bring back what has been lost, It can help to restore what has been saved.

Call us at 800.921.1008 and visit ArtInsuranceNow.com to get an evaluation of your current policy or a free quote.