The August 17 fire at Somerset House in central London could have had devastating consequences, but thanks to the “really quick-thinking staff” and the “amazing” response of the London Fire Brigade, the venue’s director, Jonathan Reekie, describes it as “a very, very serious incident” that was averted. The blaze damaged the roof and part of the west wing, but 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines responded swiftly to put out the fire, with no reported injuries. Although the damages will likely take months, if not years, to repair, Reekie attributed the focus on getting the building back on its feet to the venue’s community, which includes artists, makers, and creative businesses that use the complex’s workspaces and studios.
Somerset House, which is home to over three million visitors every year, hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances. The fire has had a profound impact on the community, with many people sending messages of support to the venue. Reekie thanked the community for their support, stating that it has enabled the venue to focus on bringing the building back to life as quickly as possible. The venue’s director also emphasized the importance of the community, stating that Somerset House is “about community” and that it is the creative start-ups and artists who feed the venue’s cultural programme and provide events and entertainment for visitors.
Somerset House Averted Catastrophic Disaster (Image via Getty)
In the aftermath of the fire, Reekie acknowledged that the damages could take a significant amount of time to repair, but he remains optimistic about the venue’s future. He credited the quick response and partnership with the London Fire Brigade for saving the building from complete disaster. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for a swift response in the event of a disaster. Somerset House’s focus on safety and community has undoubtedly averted a complete disaster, and it is clear that the venue will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of its community.
The phased reopening of the venue began with the fashion exhibition “The Lore of Loverboy” and the open-air voguing show “The Mighty Crown Ball” on Saturday, followed by the reopening of the Courtald Gallery, which houses priceless artwork including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne, on Sunday. The speed at which the venue was able to reopen is a testament to the venue’s community and its commitment to getting back on its feet as quickly as possible. As the venue continues to recover from the fire, it is clear that the focus will remain on the safety and well-being of its community, as well as the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Somerset House.
