Model Library - The Glasgow School of Art unveils specially-commissioned scale model of the Mackintosh Library

                                 

GSA graduate Franki Finch of Finch and Fouracre with her 1:20 scale 
model of the Mackintosh Library.

The Glasgow School of Art unveiled an exquisite scale model of the Mackintosh Library. Commissioned from specialist architectural and exhibition model makers, Finch & Fouracre, the exact 1:20 replica was created by GSA product design graduate, Franki Finch, and will be a focus for part of the GSA’s popular Mackintosh tours.

“There is a huge interest in Mackintosh and his masterpiece, the Glasgow School of Art,” explains Juliet Fellows-Smith Tour Interpretation and Programme Manager. “Unfortunately it is not possible to visit the building currently, but with this beautiful model we will be able to illustrate Mackintosh’s creative genius as demonstrated in the design of the library during our daily guided tours.”

Measuring around 60cm x 60cm x 45cm the model took over three months to create as although a number of different production techniques were used, including laser cutting and acid etching, most of the work was done by hand. A particularly time-consuming aspect of the process was making the tiny specks of colour which decorated the chamfered balustrades on the Mackintosh Library balcony. No one knows for certain if the colours chosen had any particular significance for Mackintosh, but one popular theory is that the colours (white, red, green and blue) represent the four elements of water, earth, fire and air. Meanwhile, each of the decorative panels that hung down from the balcony and were decorated with a different pattern of circles and lines, are rendered in the model by thin layers of acid-etched brass spray-painted to look like wood.

To ensure the greatest accuracy Franki referenced hundreds of photographs of the library and crucially had access to a unique resource. “I was fortunate to be able to reference a very special set of drawings,” she explains.  “Whilst he was at the Mackintosh School of Architecture at the GSA Paul Clarke, who is now based at the University of Ulster, created a comprehensive set of drawings of the Mackintosh Building which include accurate measurements for every single room.  I was able to use his detailed documentation of the library as a key part of my research.”

Sited on a 3ft high plinth, the model is located by the reflection pool in the Reid Building directly opposite the main entrance to the Mackintosh Building. Visitors will be able to see it from today as part of the popular Mackintosh at the GSA tours which are led by the GSA’s award-winning team of guides most of whom are students or graduates of the institution. The tours run from the Window on Mackintosh Visitor Centre in Reid Building 7 days a week all year round.

Ends

Further information:

Lesley Booth

0779 941 4474

press@gsa.ac.uk

Notes For Editors

•  The Mackintosh Model is the latest addition to the Mackintosh Tour following the opening in the Reid Building earlier this year of a recreated Furniture Gallery, which showcases key pieces from the GSA’s Mackintosh collection.
•  Finch and Fouracre also produce ‘build-your-own’ architecture model kits which are bestsellers in the GSA Shop (http://ift.tt/1IYIVia).
•  Paul Clarke is part of the Page\Park led design team for the Mackintosh Building restoration

via The Glasgow School of Art Media Centre http://ift.tt/1cgPkXA