Somerset House starts phased reopening after fire forced closure

Somerset House has begun a phased reopening as investigations continue into the cause of a fire at the venue last week.

About 125 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze , which broke out last Saturday morning and spread to part of the Grade I-listed building’s roof and third floor.

The fire was successfully contained to one part of the building and a spokesperson later confirmed that no artwork had been damaged.

A statement on the venue’s website said some exhibitions had reopened to the public on Saturday and that the artists and creative startups based at the site, on the Strand in central London, had begun to return over recent days.

“London fire brigade’s (LFB) operation on site has ended and its investigation will continue,” it said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individual firefighters of the LFB, the emergency services and our staff for ensuring everyone’s safety and preventing much greater destruction.

“We have been very moved by expressions of support from around the world over the last few days, which has served as a reminder of how cherished Somerset House is as an arts destination and the home of cultural innovators, housing its unrivalled creative community of talented individuals and enterprises.

“We would like to thank our audiences and community for their patience as we begin this reopening process.”

In 1775 after decades of neglect, the original Somerset House, which was home to Princess Elizabeth for five years until she became queen in 1558, was demolished and a replacement was not completed until 1801.

Since the turn of the millennium it has been used to house atemporary ice rink, and host music gigs and London fashion week.