The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened to the public following a fire that broke out in the building, causing concern among art enthusiasts and visitors alike. The blaze, which occurred in the west wing of the landmark, prompted a response from 125 firefighters as smoke billowed across central London on Saturday.
Despite the dramatic scene, no valuable artworks were damaged in the fire, as the affected area was primarily used for offices and storage. Visitors queued outside the gallery eagerly awaiting its reopening at 10:00 BST on Sunday, expressing relief that the art collection remained unharmed.
One visitor, Paul Clark, and his family from Washington state in the US, witnessed the firefighters battling the blaze while on the London Eye. Mr. Clark, a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, was particularly relieved to hear that the famed Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear was safe within the gallery.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the rest of Somerset House remains closed “until further notice”. The director of Somerset House Trust, Jonathan Reekie, reassured the public that no valuable artefacts or artworks were housed in the affected area.
Somerset House, located on the Strand in central London, is a historic arts venue that regularly hosts exhibitions and experiences for visitors. The Courtauld Gallery, known for its collection of masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century, features works by renowned artists such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Paul Cezanne.
As the investigation into the fire continues, art lovers and tourists alike can rest assured that the beloved Courtauld Gallery is once again open to the public, offering a glimpse into the world of timeless masterpieces.
