The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House in London has reopened to the public following a fire that temporarily closed the landmark. However, the rest of Somerset House remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, about 125 firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the blaze, which caused smoke to billow across central London. Fortunately, the fire did not occur in an area housing valuable art, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Despite the fire, eager visitors queued outside the gallery on Sunday morning, relieved that the art collection remained safe. One visitor expressed sadness at witnessing the fire but was reassured by the gallery’s swift reopening and the preservation of its treasures.
The Courtauld Gallery houses works from renowned artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, whose Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is among the gallery’s most famous pieces.
The fire broke out in the west wing of Somerset House around midday on Saturday. This section of the building is primarily used for offices and storage, so no significant artefacts or artworks were at risk.
Jonathan Reekie, the director of Somerset House Trust, confirmed that valuable collections were not in danger during the incident, and the public’s concern for the safety of the artwork was alleviated once this was clarified.
Paul Clark, an American tourist visiting London with his family, witnessed the fire from the London Eye. As a fan of Van Gogh, Clark expressed his relief upon learning that the Courtauld Gallery’s collection, including the Dutch artist’s famous works, had been unharmed.
His experience highlights the international significance of the gallery and its impact on visitors from around the world.
Somerset House, located on the Strand in central London, is a prominent arts venue. Its rich history dates back to the Georgian era, built on the site of a Tudor palace.
The venue is famous not only for the Courtauld Gallery’s vast collection, which spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, but also for hosting various cultural events, exhibitions, and experiences throughout the year.
The Courtauld Gallery features masterpieces from prominent artists such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne, in addition to Van Gogh. While the gallery has reopened, it remains unclear when the rest of Somerset House will be fully accessible to the public again.
The fire’s aftermath has put a temporary pause on the venue’s usual array of activities, but the preservation of its treasured artworks is a significant relief for art lovers and historians alike.
