Priceless artworks housed in London's Somerset House, including paintings by and Monet, were unaffected by a fire that erupted at the historic building on Saturday, according to the gallery. ADVERTISEMENT Around 125 firefighters and 20 engines worked to tamp out the flames that ripped through the roof of the western wing, bringing the blaze at the more than 450-year-old site under control before 7:00 pm (1800 GMT). "The fire at #SomersetHouse is now under control and investigations into the cause will begin," the London Fire Brigade posted on social media site X.
The neoclassical cultural complex stretching along the Thames River was meant to be hosting a breakdancing competition on Saturday when a column of smoke began wafing above the centre, prompting dozens of calls to the fire department. "The fire was located in part of the building's roof space," London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster told reporters from outside the landmark, according to a statement. "The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded.
" There were no reports of injuries as staff and visitors had left the building by the time fire crews arrived, the brigade added. Home to Queen Elizabeth I before she was crowned in 1558 and to Anne of Denmark, Somerset House said in a notice on its website that it "will remain closed until further notice". The landmark in the heart of London hosts a range of creative businesses and arts spaces, including the .