Part of Somerset House reopens after 100 firefighters tackled huge blaze

Parts of Somerset House are still open to the public, days after over 100 firefighters tackled a fire there last weekend.

On Saturday (August 17), it was first reported that a fire had broken out at the arts and culture venue, with over 15 engines having been deployed by the London Fire Brigade.

Around midday, members of the public started posting pictures of thick plumes of smoke coming from the historical building, which could be seen as far as the south side of the Thames.

Jonathan Reekie, the Somerset House Trust director, said the fire broke out in the west wing, which consists mainly of offices and “back-of-house” facilities. He also noted (via The Independent) that no artworks were in the area.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC it was “sad to see”, although many have expressed relief that no precious artworks were ruined by the blaze. Check out more social media reactions below.

“Well done London Fire Brigade for saving the priceless works of art and the cultural and creative titans – Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery,” wrote one X/Twitter user. “London and the world is grateful.”

Somerset House, London, home to the Courtauld Institute & art gallery earlier today. First updates indicate that no one was hurt & the priceless art collection is safe. pic.twitter.com/MNPJdpHw21

— Dr Robert Bohan (@RobertBohan) August 17, 2024

Fire at Somerset house pic.twitter.com/S1OQ0ndSe4

— (@KXDXA) August 17, 2024

Really challenging day at the office this weekend. First on scene, attacking fire internally and externally simultaneously-crews left utterly exhausted. 20pump fire, 4x TL, line operations level 2 #SomersetHouse pic.twitter.com/48qtN94ZtV

— Tim Martin (@kingtimbo1) August 19, 2024

Well done London Fire Brigade for saving the priceless works of art and the cultural and creative titans—Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery. London and the world is grateful. pic.twitter.com/zZ92BN1ohI

— Cannon Ivers (@BCI_realm) August 18, 2024

The Courtauld Gallery, which houses iconic artworks like Vincent van Gogh’s 1889 Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s 1882 A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, reopened last night (August 18).

In a statement shared on their social media, Somerset House said: “Following today’s fire in one part of Somerset House, our focus is on allowing London Fire Brigade the space to do their work.

“The @daytimers_uk x #RepresentAsian event will not be taking place tomorrow and Somerset House will remain closed until further notice. @TheCourtauld has not been directly impacted by the fire and it will remain open.”

They continued to say that the “safety and well-being of artists, visitors and staff” was paramount, and apologised for “any inconvenience this change of circumstances may cause”.

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