People across Glasgow are lamenting the potential loss of one of the city’s most beloved buildings.
Glasgow School of Art has been damaged by huge flames after the alarm was raised around 11.20pm last night. Smoke billowed across the sky as flames tore through the Mackintosh building.
It was the second time in four years that a blaze has hit the world-famous building, which was under restoration after a fire badly damaged it in May 2014.
The Mackintosh building, widely rated as the masterpiece of the Glasgow-born architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1909, had been undergoing a multi-million pound restoration project.
Smoke still visible from most of the buildings around the Glasgow School of Art and still a significant presence from the emergency services pic.twitter.com/ViKJYvpSNk
— Kevin Jackson (@kevinnjackson) 16 June 2018
Firefighters have said there has been “extensive damage” to all parts of the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building and that restoration work from the 2014 fire has likely been destroyed.
There are reports that the building was just days away from getting a sprinkler system built in.
Across social media Glasgow residents, politicians, and the school’s alumnus were saddened by the news.
1. Such a sad morning in Glasgow. So relieved that there has been no loss of life. And so full of admiration and gratitude for @fire_scot. But it is hard to find words to convey the utter devastation felt here and around the world for the iconic Mackintosh building @GSofA
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 16, 2018
More than 120 firefighters worked during the night to extinguish the blaze.
Fire chief Bushy said: “The fire was spreading at a very quick rate and the full building is extensively damaged. There is a sense of loss between firefighters and the citizens of Glasgow.
“At this stage I’m pleased to report we have no reports of casualties. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of not just the fire service but the other agencies keeping people safe.”
Around 50 firefighters still remain at the scene.
And it’s not just the loss of Glasgow’s favourite building, it’s everything the building represents – Charles Rennie Mackintosh, our history, our cultural legacy, education, creativity, the pursuit of art. To see it destroyed a second time. Painful stuff today for Glaswegians.
— Marissa McTeague (@marissamcteague) June 16, 2018
National Union of Students President-Elect Liam McCabe described the event as a “sad night for Glasgow.”
He said: “I am stunned to hear that the Glasgow School of Art has caught fire again. I hope everyone is alright, the students’ work isn’t damaged and that Macintosh’s building isn’t harmed irreversibly.”
Tragic scenes from the Glasgow School of Art; and tragic irony that the second blaze in 4 years coincides with the 150th celebrations of Mackintosh. Devastating for everyone who has worked tirelessly to restore this masterpiece.?
— ruth wishart (@ruth_wishart) June 16, 2018
Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the fire last night at Glasgow School of Art & the O2 ABC. Two of Glasgow’s greatest & so dear to my heart. Thinking of my home city & all of those affected ????
— TALLIA STORM (@Tallia_Storm) 16 June 2018
A spokesman from Police Scotland said: “Officers remain at the scene of the major fire in Glasgow city centre.
“A high volume water pump from the River Clyde has been put in place by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which has resulted in a number of closures on the following roads: Broomielaw Brown Street Argyle Street Douglas Street Dalhousie Street.
An aerial picture released by Police Scotland has shown the ‘extensive damage’ fire has caused to Glasgow School of Art and the nearby O2 ABC music venue and Campus nightclub.
