Royal Academy sues for £2.5 million over fire
12 April 2012
One of London's oldest arts institutions has launched a £2.5 million compensation claim against contractors over a fire.
The Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly, founded in the l8th century, was badly damaged by the blaze at a gallery in Burlington Gardens in August 2006, thought to be started by workmen using blow-torches.
Its west wing roof collapsed onto the floor below, and although the building was empty at the time, visitors had to be evacuated from the main academy block.
The academy is suing building contractor Poultney Gallagher and roofing contractor Daneby Roofing, which it blames in a High Court writ for the fire.
