A class-action lawsuit has been proposed by a group of 35 architecture and design students who have accused the institution of failing to provide adequate tuition during the pandemic.

Known collectively as Art School Racket, the students have criticised GSA for limited communication and a lack of access to essential facilities such as studio space, technical workshops, equipment, materials, specialist software and technology.

Architect and former tutor Alan Dunlop has backed the action and donated original drawings of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterwork in 1910 and in 2018 to help fund the legal challenge.

Speaking to SCN in August, Mr Dunlop said: “Donated drawings have now been valued independently by two renowned gallery owners and acclaimed artist at over £500 each. Bidding starting therefore at £350. Both the Mackintosh Glasgow School of Art drawings are originals and taken from my sketchbooks. A3 soft pencil on cartridge paper. The sketch of the east elevation was composed from thumbnails drawn on the morning immediately after the 2018 fire and is unique.

“The Mackintosh drawings were chosen by the students from a selection of other drawings from my sketchbooks, including The Burrell, Caledonian Road Church and St Peters.”

Following the successful sale, £1,000 will now be donated to the crowdfunding campaign by Mr Dunlop.