In December 2017, artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen (b 1969, London, UK) made an artwork in response to the fire that took place there on 14 June at Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, West London. 72 people died in the tragedy. Filming the tower before it was covered with hoarding, McQueen sought to make a record: “I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds. I was determined that it never be forgotten.”

Following the fire, a Government Inquiry ran from September 2017 until September 2024. The resulting recommendations are yet to be implemented, meaning a similar tragedy could happen again. There is an ongoing criminal investigation, with potential charges including corporate manslaughter. No trials are expected until 2027 at the earliest, over a decade since the fire.

Grenfell was first presented in 2023 at Serpentine in London’s Kensington Gardens, following a period of private viewings, prioritising bereaved families and survivors. After its presentation there, the work was placed in the care of Tate and the London Museum’s collections.