Fire at Somerset House: Over 125 Firefighters Protect London Landmark

Fire at Somerset House: Over 125 Firefighters Protect London Landmark

A fire broke out on Saturday at Somerset House, a historic arts venue in central London known for housing invaluable artworks by Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. More than 125 firefighters responded quickly to the scene, working tirelessly to control the blaze.

The fire, which ignited around noon, sent heavy smoke and flames billowing from the roof. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze after several hours, although video footage revealed significant damage, including a hole burned through the roof of the building, which overlooks the River Thames.

The London Fire Brigade is still investigating the cause of the fire. Fortunately, Somerset House officials confirmed that neither staff nor visitors were harmed, and the artworks remained unharmed, as the fire was confined to the west wing—a section primarily used for offices and storage.

Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, praised the quick response of the emergency services. “The fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of the west wing. The site was immediately evacuated, and the London Fire Brigade arrived very quickly,” Reekie said. He added that the west wing does not house any artworks.

The fire occurred on the opposite side of the complex from The Courtauld Gallery, which is home to masterpieces such as Vincent Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” and Peter Paul Rubens’ “The Descent From The Cross.”

Somerset House, a neoclassical building reconstructed nearly 250 years ago, has a storied history. The original palace, built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, was later demolished after years of neglect. The site has since been a significant cultural landmark in London, with ties to British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I, who lived there as a princess before ascending to the throne.