Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi to support GSA Fund

Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi have stepped in to support the £20 million fundraising campaign to restore the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art.

Both have agreed to be trustees of The Mackintosh Appeal which the Glasgow School of Art officially launched today.

Brad Pitt is a well-known fan of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Peter Capaldi is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art.

On the 23 May we were devastated by the fire that engulfed the west wing of Mackintosh's Masterpiece building and widely regarded a one of the finest works of architecture in the world. The loss has caused shockwaves around the world, with the sad loss of the library and studio above, and around 150 items of Mackintosh furniture and some rare paintings. Most of this is irreplaceable.

The Glasgow School of Art now want to restore the structure - designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh more than a century ago - to its former glory.

While they have already received donations and offers of support from around the world, the new Mackintosh Appeal has been established with a view to reaching the eight-figure target.

Brad Pitt is a high-profile fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's work and, when filming World War Z in Glasgow three years ago, he took time out from his busy schedule to visit another one of the architect's masterpieces, The Hill House in Helensburgh.

Scottish actor Capaldi, who plays the current Doctor in the BBC series recalled memories of his time at the art school.

He said: "I hope we can come together to help raise the funds to restore the Mackintosh Building it to its former grace.

"It always seemed to me, when I studied there, both as a student and as a child in Saturday morning art classes, an exotic place of the imagination... all nooks and crannies, guarded by stern ancient statues and full of artistic possibilities.

"There is no greater symbol of the artistic spirit of Scotland than the Mackintosh Building. But more than that it is a symbol of where art belongs, rising as it does out of the heart of a great city. A mighty castle on a hill, it is a part of me, and of all Glaswegians."

Capaldi, who also played fictional spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the television series The Thick of It, has recorded a special message for current students at the institution.

He said: "I'm so sorry for all of you who have lost your degree shows. All I can say to you is that you are artists. This will only add to your story. You will be reborn, and rise from the ashes even stronger."

GSA director Professor Tom Inns said: "We are delighted that both Peter Capaldi, one of our most celebrated alumni, and Brad Pitt, whose admiration for Mackintosh is well known, have both joined our campaign and will be trustees on the Mackintosh Appeal."

Prof Inns yesterday told MSPs at Holyrood that restoration of the fire-damaged building could cost £20-£35 million and take up to four years.

Let us hope there will be funds available to support the other Mackintosh buildings that are at risk.