SPAB statement: Glasgow School of Art

Matthew Slocombe, director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings says:

"The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was shocked and saddened by the second fire at the Glasgow School of Art. Time is now needed for thought and investigation, but given the apparent extent of the damage a reproduction could be a poor memorial to the original. Perhaps more fitting would be to embrace skillful, sensitive new design that responds to the spirit and imagination of Mackintosh's work and represents the creativity of those within the School. We would hope this could be achieved within the conserved remains of the building's surviving shell. Conclusions reached about the causes of the two fires must also be used to help safeguard other historic buildings."