He attended Burton Grammar School (1971–1978) and North Staffordshire Polytechnic (1978–1982) for Foundation Art and BA (Hons) Design.

The painting was based on a photograph of Mann by Charles Thomson and was originally intended to promote the Stuckists Real Turner Prize Show 2003: at that time the placard contained the text, "Serota needs a good spanking".

[10] Harvey's enthusiasm for the project came about because "Mucha is one of his heroes", said Mark Ross, the director of Glorious Creative agency managing the campaign.

[10] The work created some controversy:[11] Gilbert and George gave their endorsement to the images, but The Mighty Boosh and The White Stripes were not pleased to be featured.

[11][12] In 2009, his painting of Charles Saatchi was banned from the window display of the Artspace Gallery in Maddox Street, London, on the grounds that it was "too controversial for the area".

[13] Harvey said: The Stuckists considered legal action, and co-ordinated, on the event's Facebook page, a campaign of emails to the gallery,[16] which agreed to exhibit the painting in the window and to continue the show.

[3] The incorporation of modern symbols poses an ambiguity as to the amount of irony present, though the artist has claimed that he does not intend this.

The elements mentioned are clearly visible, with small dumbbells around the border, for example Madonna, contrasting with Art Nouveau curves and languidity.

He has described his work as strong line defining flat areas of colour, "dealing with ideas of beauty and decoration" and often appropriating images from art history and popular culture.