THE campaign to rebuild the Mackintosh building at Glasgow School of Art has been given a £5 million boost from the UK Government.
Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, announced the money will be given to the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) Mackintosh Appeal which aims to raise between £20m and £30m to restore the building which was severely damaged in a blaze on May 23. The drive to restore the Mackintosh to its former glory has drawn support from former student Peter Capaldi and Brad Pitt, the actor, and has already been promised £5m in matching funds from the Scottish Government.
The cause of the fire which destroyed around 10 per cent of the structure, including the unique library, has not yet been officially confirmed although it was reported to have been caused by a hot film projector igniting expanding foam in a degree show installation. Mr Alexander it was only right that "a beautiful building of international importance" received government funds to aid its recovery.
He said: "The Glasgow School of Art is one of Glasgow's great institutions. The response to the fire from people across the world has been phenomenal. I am delighted to be able to announce that the UK Government will be providing £5 million to the Mackintosh Appeal to help the GSA recover and then continue to thrive. It is a beautiful building of international importance, so it is right that the UK Government should make a contribution to its restoration. We will work with The Glasgow School of Art to ensure that the funding is provided at the most appropriate time to meet their needs."
Professor Tom Inns, director of the GSA, said: "We are determined to restore the building to its former glory, as the inspirational home for the GSA's creative talent and for the delight of visitors from across the UK and the world.
"The UK Government's support will help us enormously in our efforts to rebuild, and to ensure we can continue to operate at the highest level internationally, bringing the UK's creative talent to the world and allowing the world to understand the unique contribution of Mackintosh."
Students affected by the fire will also receive up to £750,000 to help them create works to replace those that were lost. Colin Grassie, chairman of the GSA Development Trust, said: "We are delighted with this significant boost from the UK Government, reflecting as it does the recognition of the reach and importance of The Glasgow School of Art.
"That enthusiasm has also been seen in countless donations and messages of support that we have received globally since The Mackintosh Appeal began. On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to express our sincere gratitude."
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