Woman dies in blaze at Panther House artists’ studios
Late-night fire in workshop at block due for renovation leaves ‘terrible cloud over everyone’
Published: 26 February 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB
A WOMAN has died in a blaze at a block of artist studios and workshops where she is believed to have been living.
Polish-born Aleksandra Rosiak, 31, died after fire broke out in a second-floor studio at Panther House, Mount Pleasant, Clerkenwell, just before midnight on Sunday.
The non-residential building was formerly a base for political campaigning group Charter 88, Aids charity the Terrence Higgins Trust and The Age of Stupid film director Franny Armstrong. Eye-witnesses described the studio Ms Rosiak was living in as “a glorified store room”, without even a real bed for her to sleep in.
It is understood the studio had been rented by an artist since September last year. As a friend, Ms Rosiak was allowed to sleep there without the owner’s permission.
It is not clear how long she had been staying in the block and occupants of nearby studios said they did not know her. The building, used mainly as workshop space, is generally empty at night.
Although the cause of the fire is under investigation, police say they do not believe it to be suspicious.
Panther House manager Kevin Bailey said: “It’s left a terrible cloud over everyone. It’s quite upsetting. We could never have anticipated this. The police haven’t been able to put their finger on exactly what happened.”
The fire was contained in Ms Rosiak’s studio at the rundown block, due to be refurbished in the spring.
Mr Bailey said that no one was allowed to live in the building. “As soon as they are found they are shown the door,” he added. “This is a non-residential block.”
One man, who worked at a design studio in the block, said: “I came in on Monday morning and it was a crime scene. The police had sealed off the corridor.”
He added: “When the new owners took over they sent a note to everyone, saying ‘these are commercial premises, don’t live here’.
Firefighters called to the block at 11.45pm on Sunday found Ms Rosiak unconscious. She was taken to University College Hospital in Bloomsbury but was pronounced dead an hour later.
Mr Bailey said the building was one of the oldest of its kind in London.
“It’s been a hub of artistic endeavour for the community for a long time and I would love it to remain so,” he added. “That feeling is reflected in the people who remain there.
“It’s a community and this is something that affects us all.”