Smoke was seen billowing from roof
Priceless artworks, including a Van Gogh painting, have not been damaged and all public are 'safe' after a fire ripped through the roof of historic Somerset House. London Fire Brigade said 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were helping to tackle the blaze in central London that broke out on Saturday.
The Courtauld Gallery, located in the north wing, is home to a collection of famous paintings including Vincent Van Gogh’s 1889 self-portrait of himself with a bandaged ear. Mr Reekie, 59, has been director of the trust for 10 years and told the PA news agency: “What I can confirm is that a fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade called, who arrived very quickly indeed.
A witness told PA she saw smoke 'billowing out of control' as she passed and that, at first, she thought the smell of smoke was coming from a barbecue. Michelle Birkby, 50, who lives in London and is a writer, said: "I was walking along the South Bank, and could smell smoke, looked up and saw smoke coming out of the top of Somerset House.
Queen Elizabeth I is among the former stately home’s previous residents, having lived there from the age of 20 before she became queen in 1558, according to Somerset House’s website. The building is currently used as an arts and events venue and was due to be hosting a day of breakdancing on Saturday.
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