Somerset House blaze: Iconic London landmark battles flames, artwork safe

A major fire broke out at Somerset House, one of London’s most historic and culturally significant buildings, on August 17, 2024. The fire ignited around midday in the west wing of the neoclassical structure, which sits along the River Thames and is home to several prestigious art collections, including the Courtauld Gallery. The blaze prompted an immediate and extensive response from the London Fire Brigade, with 125 firefighters and 15 fire engines dispatched to contain the flames.

Somerset House, originally constructed in 1547 and later rebuilt in the 18th century, has served as a royal residence, government office, and now as a vibrant cultural hub. The building’s rich history includes hosting the signing of the Treaty of London in 1604, which ended the Anglo-Spanish War. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a center for the arts, housing renowned works by artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Édouard Manet, and Claude Monet.

The west wing, where the fire broke out, predominantly houses offices and back-of-house facilities. According to Jonathan Reekie, the director of Somerset House Trust, no artworks were located in the affected area. Nonetheless, the fire caused significant concern due to the proximity of the blaze to priceless artworks housed within the complex. The Courtauld Gallery, which contains masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, was not directly threatened by the flames.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have yet to determine how it started. Firefighters worked swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading further, using high-pressure hoses and ladder trucks to douse the flames. The swift action of the emergency services was crucial in safeguarding the remainder of the building and its contents.

The fire also led to the cancellation of a breakdancing event, which was part of the festivities surrounding the sport’s introduction to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The event was scheduled to take place in the west wing, highlighting Somerset House’s role as a versatile venue for contemporary cultural events. In addition to hosting art exhibitions and performances, Somerset House is also known for its open-air concerts and film screenings in its expansive courtyard.

This incident has reignited discussions about the protection of historic buildings in urban areas, particularly those that serve as repositories of cultural heritage. Somerset House’s fire serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving history and adapting historic structures for modern use. The event also underscores the ongoing need for enhanced fire prevention measures in heritage buildings to prevent such occurrences from causing irreparable damage.

The London Fire Brigade’s rapid response has been widely praised, with many experts noting that the containment of the fire likely spared the building from more extensive damage. As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and preservation of Somerset House and its invaluable collections for future generations.