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The main entrance of Chapter in the distance, with some plants in the foreground.

Art

Steve McQueen: Grenfell

  • 2019
  • 0h 24m
  • UK

Free

Times & tickets

Attributes

  • Directed by Steve McQueen
  • Origin UK
  • Year 2019
  • Duration 0h 24m
  • Type Contemporary Visual Arts

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.

“‘Grenfell’ by Steve McQueen is an urgent and confronting work. The failures of state that it so powerfully highlights resonate across the UK. Here in Wales, we have long-standing and deep-rooted inequalities, which manifest across our communities through poverty, ill health, unemployment and inadequate housing. Alongside this presentation, we’ll be working in solidarity with our network of activist groups and communities to co-create a programme of events that give voice and visibility to injustices locally.” Hannah Firth, Artistic Director, Chapter

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Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen has been in conversation with Grenfell bereaved and survivor groups and individuals from the wider community at different times over the last seven years. He has engaged in these discussions so that Grenfell is delivered sensitively and with the consideration of the bereaved and survivors at the forefront. The production of the work was self-funded by McQueen, it is not a commercial project and will not be sold.

Steve McQueen was born in West London in 1969 and studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College where he first became interested in film. Over more than 30 years, McQueen has been influential in expanding the way in which artists work with film. He has made several feature films with many accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Film for 12 Years a Slave. His most recent film, Blitz, was released in 2024. As an artist, McQueen won the Turner Prize in 1999 and has exhibited in public museums around the world. He lives and works in London and Amsterdam.

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This national tour is being coordinated by Tate in collaboration with the partner venues and is made possible thanks to support using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and from Art Fund.

Grenfell will be available to view:
Monday-Tuesday and Friday-Sunday, 12-4pm.
Wednesday-Thursday, 3-7pm.

Parent and Baby screenings (BABY) at 12pm on 19 May and 2 June
Relaxed screenings (R) at 12pm on 13 & 27 May and 10 June
Masked and Socially Distanced screenings (MSD)* at 3pm on 15 & 29 May and 12 June

*We want to ensure that our immune-compromised visitors can see this film safely. Tickets are made available at 50% capacity so you’re able to socially distance. Wearing a mask is mandatory if you’re not exempt.

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Visitor information
Screenings of Grenfell will take place at set times. Doors open fifteen minutes before the screening and the film will commence promptly. This work is intended to be seen from the start, so unfortunately latecomers can't be admitted.

The film is 24 minutes long.

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Content information
The film contains close-up imagery of the tower six months after the fire. Please let a member of our team know if you need space to pause, rest and reflect afterwards.

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Documentation and mobile phone usage
Filming and photography are not permitted. Please ensure phones are switched off.

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Times & Tickets

Key

  • R Relaxed Environment
  • MSD Masked and Social Distanced
  • BABY Parent and Baby

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