LONDON — A fire broke out in the roof of London’s Somerset House on Saturday, prompting a massive response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) but leaving the building’s major art collections unscathed.
The LFB deployed 25 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters to combat the blaze after the alarm was raised just before midday. Police reported no injuries.
Keeley Foster, the LFB’s assistant commissioner, told reporters, “Crews are now working to extinguish the final pockets of fire. The fire was located in part of the building’s roof space. The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded.”
Foster added that firefighters would remain on site overnight and that the cause of the fire was under investigation.
The fire affected Somerset House’s west wing, which houses offices rather than artworks. The Courtauld Gallery, home to masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century including works by Manet, van Gogh, and Cezanne, is located in the north wing and was not impacted.
Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, said, “It’s too early to comment on the building’s condition. I’m confident that the damage is to one small part of the building.” He announced that while the main Somerset House building would remain closed to the public until further notice, the Courtauld Gallery would reopen on Sunday.
Somerset House, overlooking the River Thames, has a rich history dating back to 1547. Originally a royal palace and stately home, it now serves as an arts, cultural, and entertainment center. The current structure was rebuilt after the original building was demolished in 1775.
The site has played significant roles in British history. It was the residence of Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth I in 1558. During the English Civil War, it served as headquarters for the Parliamentary Army from 1642. It has been home to both the Admiralty and the Inland Revenue. The Great Fire of London in 1666 stopped just short of the Somerset House site.
The incident highlights the challenges of protecting historic buildings and valuable art collections in modern London. It also demonstrates the swift response capabilities of London’s emergency services in safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, questions may arise about fire safety measures in historic buildings housing important cultural artifacts.
