Somerset House, that grand old dame of the Thames, is throwing a party this weekend! Not for a person, mind you, but for itself, marking a glorious 25 years in its current guise as a vibrant cultural hub. And, in a rather generous move, they’re offering a whole programme of free events, installations, performances, and workshops. So, polish your sensible shoes, folks, because culture awaits!
Now, for those who only know it as the place with the fantastic winter ice rink or those rather chic summer concerts, it’s worth a little historical detour. Before its current incarnation as a cultural powerhouse, this central London edifice had quite the varied career. It’s housed government offices, served as a Royal Navy headquarters (imagine the naval secrets whispered within those walls!), and even, rather fabulously, was once home to none other than Queen Elizabeth I. Talk about having a past!
Over the last quarter of a century, under its cultural hat, it has, as mentioned, cemented its reputation for those aforementioned ice skating escapades and open air summer entertainment. Jonathan Reekie, the esteemed director of Somerset House, waxes lyrical about its status: “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.” High praise indeed!
He’s also letting us in on a little secret: this birthday weekend offers a rare opportunity to snoop around parts of the historic buildings usually off-limits to the hoi polloi. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of seeing where Queen Bess probably had her elevenses, now’s your chance. And as if that wasn’t enough, even Waterloo Bridge will be getting in on the act, turning a rather fetching Somerset House blue. One does wonder if the pigeons have been informed of the colour scheme change.
The artsy types are clearly chuffed with the place too. Alison Goldfrapp, the rather brilliant musician and record producer, describes it as “truly a special place.” She adds, “To perform there under the open sky and within its historical grounds is a real treat and an honour.” And she’s spot on about its unique atmosphere, where art, music, and life converge so beautifully. It does have that certain je ne sais quoi, doesn’t it?
Of course, no grand old building’s life is without its dramas. Just last year, in a moment that could have been plucked from a disaster movie, the building narrowly avoided complete disaster when a fire broke out. A rather alarming 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines descended on the scene in August 2024, battling a blaze that damaged the roof and a section of the west wing. Mr. Reekie, at the time, was quick to praise the really quick-thinking staff and the amazing” response of the London Fire Brigade for preventing a truly catastrophic outcome. So, a massive tip of the hat to them for keeping our beloved cultural space intact!
So, here’s to Somerset House! Twenty five years young in its current iteration, and still going strong, offering a truly unique blend of history, culture, and that distinct London buzz. Do go and celebrate, if you can.
