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Part of the Somerset House complex will open to the public today despite a fire which damaged the roof of the central London arts venue on Saturday.
The Courtauld Gallery, home to priceless artwork including Vincent Van Gogh’s 1889 self-portrait showing him with a bandaged ear and paintings by Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne, was “not directly impacted” by the blaze and will reopen to the public.
A statement from Somerset House said: “The safety and well-being of artists, visitors and staff is paramount.”
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Fire at London landmark
An investigation by London Fire Brigade into the blaze is taking place with the main venue closed “until further notice”.
An event entitled Daytimers x RepresentAsian, described as “a day dedicated to South Asian creativity” that was set to take place on Sunday was cancelled, while London Battle, a celebration of breakdancing following its inclusion at the Olympics, was called off on Saturday.
London Fire Brigade said 125 firefighters and 20 engines helped to tackle the blaze. There were no reported injuries.
The alarm was raised just after midday
At around 3pm on Saturday firefighters appeared to get the blaze under control
Somerset House Trust director Jonathan Reekie said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building, mainly comprised of offices and “back-of-house” facilities, and there were no artworks in that area.
He said it was “too early to comment on the building’s condition” and thanked emergency services for their work tackling the flames.
As well as being one of the capital’s most important art venues, it is also of huge historical significance.
The neoclassical building was reconstructed nearly 250 years ago after the original Somerset House was demolished after becoming neglected.
The original palace was built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who was later executed at the Tower of London.
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Queen Elizabeth I is among the former stately home’s previous residents, having lived there from the age of 20 before she became queen in 1558, according to Somerset House’s website.
It was also the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army from 1642 during the English Civil War, and is a former home of both the Admiralty and the Inland Revenue.
Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government was liaising with the venue to “understand the impact and damage” caused by the fire.
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He added: “I am sorry to hear about the fire at Somerset House, this historic building is home to some of London’s great galleries and creative spaces.
“I am very pleased that there are no casualties and hope that Somerset House can reopen to visitors as soon as possible.”
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