It’s been 25 years since British rock band Coldplay released “Yellow,” a breakthrough hit that topped the charts internationally. Since then, the band has been on the adventure of a lifetime, with its recent Music of the Spheres world tour at the heart of one of summer’s most viral moments. Ahead of the band’s 10-night residency at Wembley Stadium, Wembley Park has partnered with the Pantone Color Institute to take over the venue’s “Spanish Steps” in tribute to the musical artists.
The Spanish Steps comprise a key thoroughfare connecting Wembley Stadium to OVO Arena Wembley in North London. The heavily trafficked point has served as a canvas for multiple artists, and joins a collection of free, public art at the Olympic site. With an accessible outdoor location, the stairs are accessible for viewing anywhere from early morning light to a sky full of stars.
This latest installation realizes the large staircase as a Pantone chip. A colorful gradient lies within the trademark white border of a Pantone swatch. The shade of yellow shift as visitors ascend the stairs—beginning with a paler tone before rising to deeper, golden hues. In place of a Pantone color code, the bottom of the work is titled with a quote from the song: “And it was all yellow.”
The saturation levels, depth of tone, and even space between each hue reflects the song’s progression, emotion, and energy. This visual journey was crafted by experts at the Pantone Color Institute, led by creative director Jane Boddy, who matched each of the 58 steps to a distinct shade from the Pantone Matching System™.
“Colour, just like music, is a very emotional form of communication,” Boddy shared in a press release, “We were inspired to explore how sound and colour can work together to express the feeling of Coldplay’s iconic Yellow, and how the emotional journey of the song could be visually represented through the steps at Wembley Park.”
The printing and six-hour installation was carried out by the large format print production firm Graphic Point. YELLOW 25 was produced using a PVC-free film that is less harmful for the environment and easier to recycle, allowing the artwork to be repurposed into practical items once its run ends.
The installation works as more than just a trendy photo backdrop. Coldplay’s Wembley residency will kick off the U.K. segment of the four-year tour, providing a homecoming for the London-born band. The installation cements the band’s legacy and influence on British music, and pop music at large.
The installation joins other pieces along the Wembley Park Art Trail, including a Lana Del Rey mural by British street artist HUMOR, and tile murals by the Architectural Art Service of the Langley London firm. YELLOW 25 will be on public display until September 30 for free, with restricted access for ticketholders only during Coldplay’s concert nights in late August and early September.
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