GREAT FIRE IN LONDON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1574, 8 May 1874, Page 209

GREAT FIRE IN LONDON.

Loss of many Valuable Works of Art. Since the great conflagration at London Bridge, at whith Mr Braid wood lost his life, no fire in the metropolis has assumed such a fearful aspect as that which broke out on Friday afternoon, Feb. 13th, at “ The Pantechnicon,” the chief offices or which are in Motcornb-strcet, BoJgravesquare. It was established in 1830. The present proprietors are Messrs Seth Smith and John Radprmacher. The premises comprise the warehousing department for the storage of property; the conveyancing department for the removal of goods; and the carriage department, where vehicles are placed for sale. It was about half-past four o’clock that the first indication of fire was observed—the attention of Mr West, the foreman, being then directed to smoke issuing from the warehousing department, accompanied by a strong smell of burning. Mr West at once gave an alarm, imploring workmen to “ Bring water, for God’s sake, the place is on firebut their efforts were unavailing, owing to the remarkable rapidity with which the fire spread. Captain Shaw and the superintendents of the district were on the spot as soon as possible with twenty-one engines. It was not long before the warehouse and its valuable contents were on fire from top to bottom, floor after floor falling in with a loud crash ; and ultimately the wall fell. A detachment of the Coldstream Guards, another of the Scots Fusiliers, and a third of the Ist Life,Guards .quickly proceeded to the spot, to render what assistance was possible. It was feared that the falling of the wall would fie attended with fatal results. While some of the Life Guards were engaged in removing the property in danger, two of them were struck by the brickwork, one escaping with a broken leg, and the other with his head much cut. At one time it was feared that most of the houses forming the western wing of Lowndcs*squaro would bo destroyed, For-

tions of the wall of the Pantechnicon fell I on to the backs of these houses, and those numbered from 12 to 30, sustained considerable damage by fire and water. As the evening advanced the whole pile of buildings, with the exception of the offices in Motcomb-street, was on fire. At about half-past ten the whole fell in, leaving nothing but the walls standing. Two firemen were severely injured. Private houses in Motcomb-street have suffered, as well as the backs of several houses in Lowndessquare. It is impossible to estimate the value of the property destroyed—the building itself stood on an acre of ground, and was insured for £200,000. The proprietors speak of one depositor who had warehoused with them property of the value of £130,000, of another whoso pictures were estimated to be worth £150,000, and of other customers by the score whose effects which have gone in the general wreck could not be replaced for less than an average of £IO,OOO each. On the same authority it may be stated that Messrs Christie and Manson had, a few days since, consigned to the firm, preliminary to a great sale that was shortly to take place, goods of the value of nearly £500,000, and of this but nn insignificant portion, in the shape of china and statuaryj were saved. Of the carriages a few—a mere hundred or so—were saved. It was reported that armour belonging to Sir Eichard Wallace, valued at between £6,000 and £7,000, was stored on the premises, and that during the firo a reward of £SOO was offered for its recovery by the owner. The origin of the fire will probably never be known. The general, impression is that it is the result of spontaneous combustion, resulting possibly from the action of some chemicals contained in a drawer or cabinet forming part of some furniture. Another impression is that two ladies lighted a match to go and look for some article in a box, then threw it on the ground while there was fire in it. The pictures of Sir Richard Wallace, which were in the building, and valued at £150,000, have, with other works of art, been destroyed. The pictures also of Mr Wynn Ellis, which were worth £200,000, have been lost. He would have lost much more, but that he had lately taken away from the repository other pictures worth many thousands. Sir Seymour Fitzgerald, M.P., had pictures in the repository valued at £200,000, many being portraits painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Many well known valuable paintings by T urncr and other masters arc mentioned as having been destroyed. After the fire a fatal accident took place. A large portion of one of the outer walls of the main building was observed to be in a tottering state, and orders were issued to the brigade not to approach too closely. A young man named Scott, either disregarded or was unaware of this injunction, ventured near the wall, which fell upon him. When dug out he was dead.