Christopher BarrettAfter more than 100 firefighters tackled a blaze that started just before noon on Saturday, 17 August in the west wing of the building, Somerset House is to begin a phased re-opening this weekend.
A remarkably flexible arts venue that has been adapted to accommodate an ice rink, fashion shows, the film set for Ridley Scott’s film Napoleon, a concert venue and a football pitch in recent years, Somerset House is home to the Courtauld Gallery art museum that houses masterpieces including Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. No artworks were lost in the fire.
The venue is to reopen on Saturday, 24 August, with the exhibition The Lore of Loverboy and evening event the Mighty Crown Ball.
A spokesperson for the venue said Saturday’s fire was successfully contained to one part of the building. London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) operation onsite has ended and its investigation will continue.
They 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.”