Parts of the Somerset House complex in central London remain open to the public despite 125 firefighters tackling a blaze that broke out there on Saturday.
While the main venue is closed until further notice, the Courtauld Gallery – home to artworks including Vincent van Gogh’s 1889 self-portrait showing him with a bandaged ear – reopened on Sunday.
A statement from Somerset House said the gallery was “not directly affected” by the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation by the London Fire Brigade.
An event called Daytimers x RepresentAsian, billed as a “day dedicated to South Asian creativity,” was cancelled on Sunday. London Battle, a dance extravaganza, was also cancelled on Saturday.
Somerset House director Jonathan Rickey said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building, which mainly contains offices and “back-end” facilities.
There were no artworks in the area and no injuries were reported. About 150 staff and visitors had left Somerset House before the British infantry arrived on Saturday afternoon.
Part of the third floor and the roof of the building’s western wing were damaged.
“The age and design of the building presented a challenge to crews,” said London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Kelly Foster, who praised them for their work to contain the fire in extremely hot weather.
The building was formerly the home of Queen Elizabeth I. According to the Somerset House website, she resided there until she became queen in 1558.
After decades of neglect, the original Somerset House was demolished in 1775 and a replacement was not completed until 1801.
Since the beginning of the new millennium, it has been used as a temporary ice skating rink, for concerts, and for London Fashion Week.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan thanked emergency services for working in “very difficult circumstances” to prevent further damage to the Grade I-listed building.
Arts Minister Chris Bryant said the government was engaging with the venue “to understand the impact and damage” it had caused.
He added: “I am sorry to hear of the fire at Somerset House. This historic building is home to some of London’s greatest art galleries and creative spaces.
“I am very pleased that there were no casualties and hope that Somerset House will be able to reopen to visitors as soon as possible.”
Crews remain at the scene to carry out further operations.
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