Art Works Undamaged In London Blaze

A fire on Saturday swept through two floors of the Royal Academy of Arts, which houses the work of art world masters. None of the artwork was damaged.

The blaze swept through two galleries on the first and second floors of the academy’s historic building, Burlington House, in central London.

“The fire was brought under control fairly quickly but the walls are blackened,” said David Gordon, secretary of the academy. “Fortunately, none of the paintings were damaged.”

Fifteen fire engines were called to the scene, and 100 people were led to safety from the fire, which broke out shortly after 9 p.m., Gordon said.

The Royal Academy, founded in 1768, owns works of art by Michelangelo, Constable, Stubbs, Gainsborough and Reynolds.