In December 2017 Steve McQueen made an artwork in response to the fire that took place earlier that year 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."

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

Following the fire, a Government Inquiry was launched that was conducted in two phases. By the time of the exhibition at Serpentine, four years since the publication of the Phase One report, the recommendations were yet to be implemented. The findings of the second and final phase of the Inquiry are due to be reported in 2024. There is an ongoing criminal investigation.