Around 125 firefighters were deployed to combat an expansive blaze that broke out at London’s iconic Somerset House cultural centre on Saturday. Alarming visuals of flames emerging from beneath its roof highlighted the severity of the incident.
“Twenty fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters are now actively responding to the fire at Somerset House. Crews are diligently working to bring the fire within the building’s roof under control,” the London Fire Brigade stated via their official X account, previously known as Twitter.
Somerset House, a Renaissance building inaugurated in 1796, is temporarily closed due to the fire, as per an official statement. “Owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed. All staff and public are safe,” the statement added.
One of the major concerns is the safety of the Courtauld Gallery, housed within Somerset House, which contains invaluable artworks, including Vincent van Gogh’s famous “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.” The gallery is globally recognized for possessing a vast and vital collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring works by Cézanne, Gauguin, and Manet, among others.
In addition to concerns about the art, the fire also threatened an architectural treasure that stretches for approximately 180 metres along the banks of the River Thames. Images and footage captured from central London displayed thick clouds of smoke spiraling above the historic edifice, casting a somber shadow over the cityscape.
Somerset House isn’t just an art repository; it serves as a vibrant cultural and social hub for London. During the summer, its courtyard transforms into a venue for music concerts and other events, whereas in winter, it features a popular ice rink. The complex has earned a place in popular culture, appearing in the 2003 holiday romance film “Love Actually” and two James Bond movies. Additional cinematic appearances include the 2008 film “The Duchess,” starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and Tim Burton’s 1999 gothic horror film “Sleepy Hollow.”
While firefighters worked relentlessly to subdue the flames, two 32-metre ladders were dispatched to the scene to aid in the extinguishing operations.
. “The entire site at Somerset House is now closed to the public whilst we tackle the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond,” the London Fire Brigade emphasized.
The immediate area around Somerset House has already been cordoned off, leading to significant traffic disruptions that are expected to continue until the fire is fully controlled and the area is deemed safe.
As the firefighters battle the flames, historians, art lovers, and Londoners alike are anxiously awaiting updates. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed initially by Sir William Chambers and boasting a grand facade. Its significance extends beyond its physical beauty; it’s a landmark that has seen countless historical moments, from naval offices in its early years to being a center for arts and culture today.
Efforts to save the precious artworks stored within the Courtauld Gallery are being prioritized, with firefighters reportedly advised on the invaluable collections and their locations. The Courtauld Gallery’s director, Deborah Swallow, expressed her concern and gratitude for the swift action taken by the emergency services. “The safety of our staff and the public was our first priority. Our sincerest thanks go out to the firefighters for their rapid response,” she mentioned in an official statement.
Currently, the cause of the blaze remains unknown, and fire investigators are expected to analyze the scene once the flames are under control. Several theories abound, ranging from electrical faults to accidental triggers, but a thorough examination will be required to establish the definite cause.
As night fell over London, the glow of the fire could still be seen, illuminating a tragic scene at one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. The blaze has reignited discussions about the importance of fire safety in heritage buildings and measures that need to be adopted to protect such irreplaceable assets.
For the people of London and lovers of art and history worldwide, the sight of Somerset House enveloped in smoke is a stark reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage and the need for continued vigilance and protection. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as firefighters continue their efforts to bring the situation under control and assess the extent of the damage.
