New model of Mackintosh library will help restore fire-hit building

A full-size model of a section of the fire-gutted Mackintosh Library has been unveiled as work continues to restore the building to its original 1910 design.

The Glasgow School of Art showcased the prototype on Friday, after six months in the making.

It has been used as part of the restoration in testing every aspect of the design and manufacture.

Professor Tom Inns, director of The Glasgow School of Art, said: “From the outset we said that we would restore the building and restore it well.

“For those of you who remember the library as it was in 2014, the biggest change you will notice is the colour. This is how we believe the library would have looked in 1910.''

Detailed research was undertaken of items retrieved and information gathered in the archaeological survey.

Consultation was then carried out on Mackintosh's original designs, early photography, letters and other documentation.

Woodworkers will now use what has been learned in the development of the prototype for construction of the library.

One of the design team most closely involved with the research is architectural heritage and conservation expert, Natalia Burakowska.

She said: “We soon realised that precious charred timbers had a considerable amount of information to reveal. We were excited to learn about timber joints, nailing techniques, timber sizes, and clever assembly strategies adopted by craftsmen working on site.

“We poured over the archives, sifting through original plans, Records of Building Committee, receipts, financial records and specifications.''

One of the first discoveries after the fire was that much of the library was constructed from American Tulip wood.

Material for the library is currently being sourced in the USA and is expected to be on site in spring 2018.

Students were preparing for their degree shows in May 2014 when flames engulfed the Grade A-listed Charles Rennie Mackintosh building.

The blaze caused significant damage to the west wing, including the loss of the celebrated Mackintosh Library.

A host of leading artists including Sir Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor and Simon Starling used material from the fire-damaged art school to create new works which were sold at auction to raise funds for the restoration.

Each artist was sent a piece of debris specifically chosen for them with a note telling them what it was, where it was from and explaining the concept of the auction in London in March.

Other artists who took part were Grayson Perry, Cornelia Parker, Jenny Saville, David Shrigley and Douglas Gordon, as well as The Chapman Brothers and Sir Peter Blake.

Restoration of the west wing of the Mackintosh Building and simultaneous upgrading of the east wing are part of a major £80 million development of the school's Garnethill campus