A fire has erupted at London’s iconic Somerset House, with over 100 firefighters on the scene, working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Thick smoke could be seen billowing over central London, rising from the roof of the historic building. Firefighters are using cranes to reach the flames and contain the fire.
Somerset House, which once served as the home of the Royal Navy, is now a renowned cultural center. One of its galleries houses the famous Vincent Van Gogh self-portrait, where the artist is depicted with a bandaged ear.
According to Jonathan Reekie, Director of the Somerset House Trust, the fire started in the west wing of the building, an area primarily used for offices and other back-of-house facilities. Fortunately, there are no artworks located in that part of the building.
The London Fire Brigade has deployed around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines to Somerset House. The fire crews are focusing their efforts on the building’s roof, with the help of two 32-meter ladders to reach the flames.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and Somerset House has been closed to the public while emergency services tackle the blaze.
Somerset House, originally constructed in the 1500s and later rebuilt in the 1700s, is named after Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who built it as a palace in 1547. After his execution at the Tower of London, the palace was claimed by the Crown.
In 1604, the historic Treaty of London was signed within its walls, ending the 19-year Anglo-Spanish War. The building later served as headquarters for the parliamentary army during the English Civil War and narrowly avoided destruction during the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Today, Somerset House is a hub of creativity, hosting various events and exhibitions. It houses the Courtauld Gallery, which includes works by Manet, Van Gogh, and Monet. Kings College London’s school of law also occupies part of the complex.
The venue has also been a popular filming location, featuring in productions such as ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Love Actually,’ and ‘X-Men: First Class.’
On Saturday, Somerset House was set to host a dance battle in its open-air courtyard, featuring a day of dance showcases, workshops, live DJs, and a grand head-to-head dance battle between different corners of London.
In a statement on its website, Somerset House confirmed that all staff and visitors are safe and that the site is currently closed. They praised the swift response of the London Fire Brigade and are working closely with them to contain the fire.