The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is facing a £265 million funding shortfall to restore its iconic Mackintosh Building, severely damaged by two fires in 2014 and 2018. Despite previous commitments to a faithful reinstatement, the institution now grapples with escalating costs due to construction inflation, market volatility, and economic pressures.
A new report from the GSA attributes the financial woes to these factors, compounded by a prolonged dispute with insurers over the 2018 blaze, which has finally been settled. As a result, the school's chair of governors, Ann Priest, must now confront the reality that the original restoration vision may be unaffordable, and instead pursue what is financially sustainable.
The GSA is actively seeking substantial investment from 'visionary individuals', government bodies, and local authorities to bridge the funding gap. However, some art community members have expressed dismay at the potential deviation from the original design, with painter Lachlan Goudie labelling it a 'national disgrace'. In response, Priest suggests that the building could serve as an anchor for a creative production innovation district.
As part of its immediate plans, the GSA will begin dismantling the external scaffolding that has shrouded the building since 2014. This move aims to enhance the building's presentation and stabilise the site, while also reflecting the school's commitment to moving forward with a revised plan for the Mackintosh Building's future.
The initial fire in May 2014 caused significant damage, but it was the second blaze in June 2018 that occurred during a £35 million restoration project nearing completion. The GSA has since invested approximately £26 million on preliminary work, which had stalled due to the insurers' dispute.