Somerset House celebrates 25 years of tradition and humanities

Somerset House is to have fun 25 years in its present guise this weekend with a programme of free events, installations, performances and workshops.

Before it turned the cultural occasion house it’s now, the central London constructing beforehand housed authorities workplaces, had been a Royal Navy headquarters and was one time house to Queen Elizabeth I.

Over the final quarter of a century, it has turn into well-known for its winter ice rink and summer time live shows and screenings.

The director of Somerset House, Jonathan Reekie, mentioned: “Somerset House is much loved as a London cultural space and it has also become a home to many of the UK’s best creatives: a powerhouse for the next generation of talent.”

He mentioned the birthday weekend of occasions could be a “rare opportunity” for the general public to see areas of the historic buildings not normally open to the general public.

Waterloo Bridge, which is exterior the venue, can even flip “Somerset House blue”.

Alison Goldfrapp, musician and report producer, mentioned: “Somerset House is truly a special place.

“To carry out there underneath the open sky and inside its historic grounds is an actual deal with and an honour.”

She added: “The constructing has a novel ambiance. It’s an area the place artwork, music, and life converge so superbly.”

Last yr, the constructing narrowly avoided “complete disaster” when a fire broke out.

About 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines attended the blaze on 17 August 2024, which damaged the roof and part of the complex’s west wing.

Mr Reekie said at the time that it was thanks to “actually quick-thinking workers” and the “superb” response of London Fire Brigade that the fireplace was shortly put out.