125 firefighters extinguish fire at London's Somerset House, west wing; artwork unaffected; Courtauld Gallery to reopen; investigation ongoing.
A fire broke out at London's historic Somerset House, which houses artwork and cultural events, but it was extinguished by 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines deployed by the London Fire Brigade. The blaze occurred in the building's west wing, which contains offices and "back-of-house" facilities, and did not affect the priceless artwork housed within, including Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. The Courtauld Gallery, where the artworks are located, was unaffected and will reopen. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
August 17, 2024
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