Wembley Park Summer Art Trail

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On public view across the North West London neighbourhood from the first week of July, the new artworks on display include an outdoor photo exhibition, titled ‘Football Should Be Unforgettable’, curated by Alzheimer's Society and produced by Wembley Park.

Paying tribute to the deep-rooted connection between Wembley Park and English football, the collection features three illuminated portraits of English football stars Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw to help raise funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s Society’s work.

On the large-format photographs, each footballer reflects on their earliest memories of falling in love with the beautiful game, sharing childhood photographs to feature in the display. Images of other recipients of Alzheimer’s Society’s support, many who are living with dementia, also shared an item or photograph connected to their most precious memory of the game. The exhibition follows the recent announcement of improvements to Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, of which Alzheimer’s Society is a charity partner, and which has become the first national stadium to be dementia friendly.

Joining the photo exhibition is a new, site-specific artwork produced by internationally acclaimed artist Claire Luxton, renowned for her boundary-pushing exploration of self-representation through poetry, performance, photography and technology. Titled ‘Messenger’, Luxton’s vast, expansive artwork spans different media and formats, seamlessly blending with elements of Wembley Park’s public realm, including a striking triptych display on Wembley Park's Spanish Steps, three original K2 red telephone boxes in Arena Square and a series of large, 360-degree digital screens along Olympic Way and White Horse Square. Additionally, Luxton's artwork greets visitors passing through Bobby Moore Bridge, where extensive digital screens adorn the space, showcasing the artist’s vision for the piece.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, where Hermes was the divine messenger, carrying dreams, impulses and messages, wings take centre stage in Luxton’s new artwork. Symbolizing intelligence, understanding, and the limitless possibilities that await, Luxton’s artwork captivates viewers with its depth and texture, enveloping and fascinating viewers. The installation on the Spanish Steps delivers an engaging, immersive experience, with viewers able to walk up and down the artwork, as well as admire its illusory qualities against the backdrop of the National Stadium.

Claire’s visually enticing wing designs will also feature on the three classic red telephone boxes in Wembley Park’s Arena Square this summer, adjacent to the Grade-II listed OVO Arena Wembley. Reverse printed onto vinyl, the yellow, blue, and green designs draw in the viewer with perceptions of depth and texture.

The third of Claire’s trio of ‘Messenger’ pieces takes the form of digital artworks, featuring animated versions of both the Spanish Steps and telephone box installations. The artist is well known for her blending of media, stating that she “creates canvases thanks to photography”, performing detailed narratives for the camera and achieving an immersive effect through post-production digital technology, leaving the viewer wondering if they are looking at a painting or photography.

The new artworks add to the existing Wembley Park Art Trail, which provides more than 20 pieces of outdoor public art developed with local, national and international artists. The growing collection uses the Wembley Park landscape as an urban canvas, with artworks from the likes of Mr. Doodle, Lois O’Hara and Jason Bruges Studio.