I’m Mr. Mercury

A Freddie Mercury Mural at Wembley Park

Created to mark what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday on 5 September 2026, I’m Mr. Mercury is a large-scale anamorphic portrait by British street artist Frank Styles, spanning all 58 of Wembley Park’s Spanish Steps.

The work takes its title from Mercury’s 1985 song Mr Bad Guy and draws on imagery, words and archival material connected with his life and work. It was developed with the support of Freddie Mercury’s Estate and his long-time manager Jim Beach.

Its location places the portrait between Wembley Stadium and OVO Arena Wembley, two venues that played a defining role in Mercury and Queen’s history.

The installation is free to visit, 24 hours a day, until December 2026.

How to find Freddie on the Spanish Steps:

Wembley Park’s Spanish Steps are a key pedestrian link between two of the UK’s most iconic live venues - Wembley Stadium and the OVO Arena Wembley (formerly Wembley Arena) - and can be accessed from Wembley Park Boulevard.

I’m Mr. Mercury on the Spanish Steps is located in Wembley Park, just 12 minutes by London Underground from central London.

From Wembley Park Underground station (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines) walk down the pedestrianised Olympic Way, towards Wembley Stadium. When you reach Wembley Park Boulevard, turn right towards the OVO Arena Wembley. The Spanish Steps will be on your left, halfway up Wembley Park Boulevard.

For the full anamorphic effect, visitors should view the artwork from the marked viewing point approximately 65ft from the foot of the central steps.
 

Visit www.wembleypark.com/freddie for more information. 

I’m Mr. Mercury was conceived specifically for the architecture of the Spanish Steps.

Rather than placing an image onto a flat surface, Styles has divided and distorted the portrait across the risers and treads of the staircase. Perspective brings these separate elements together.

From the designated viewing point, Mercury’s face appears as a single image. As the viewer moves towards or around the work, the portrait breaks apart, revealing its construction through colour, line and form.

The position of the viewer is therefore integral to the work: the portrait exists fully only from one place.

Symbols drawn from Mercury’s life and interests are embedded throughout the work.

Koi carp refer to his deep interest in Japanese art and culture. Fairies reference his Virgo star sign, imagery that also appeared in the Queen crest Mercury designed for the band.

Words form another layer of the composition. Across the 58 steps are lyrics from songs written by Mercury alongside quotations from his life beyond the stage.

Seen from a distance, these details disappear into the portrait. Up close, the image gives way to individual fragments, references and texts. The setting is central to the work.

Wembley Park is grateful to Freddie Mercury’s Estate, Jim Beach and the Beach family for their generosity and support in making the work possible.

@wembleyparkldn