Fire Damages Somerset House in London, Home to Van Gogh, Cézanne Works

LONDON — Over 125 firefighters worked to extinguish a blaze Saturday at Somerset House, a prominent London arts venue housing invaluable artworks by Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

Thick smoke and flames visible from the roof around midday had subsided a few hours later as firefighters doused the fire with water from ladder trucks. Video footage indicated flames had burned a hole in the building’s roof, situated beside the River Thames.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, according to the London Fire Brigade.

Somerset House confirmed that staff and the public were safe, and artworks were not in the vicinity of the fire. The venue had been scheduled to host a breakdancing event.

“A fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of the west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade called, who arrived very quickly,” Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, stated. “The west wing is primarily offices and back-of-house facilities, there are no artworks in that area.”

The fire occurred on the opposite side of the expansive complex from The Courtauld Gallery, which features works like Vincent Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” and “The Descent From The Cross” by Peter Paul Rubens.

The neoclassical building was reconstructed nearly 250 years ago after the original Somerset House was demolished due to neglect.

The original palace was erected in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who was later executed at the Tower of London.

Queen Elizabeth I resided in the palace as a princess for five years before ascending to the throne.