Artists began creating a vast mural of the late British rock star David Bowie on Monday in Warsaw.

Bowie, who died on 10 January aged 69, is sorely missed by many fans in Poland, but if all goes according to plan, he will soon be looking down over the city on a permanent basis.

The mural is being made on a block of flats in Warsaw's Żoliborz district.

The tribute in the Polish capital is apt as one of the British rocker's most haunting tracks was named after the city.

'Warszawa', from the 1977 album 'Low', was inspired by a brief stopover in the city.

Bowie stumbled upon a record shop and snapped up an album of Silesian folk music. He later attempted to recreate the vocals - in a language all of his own invention - on 'Warszawa', working alongside production wizard Brian Eno.

“I wanted to express the feelings of people who yearn to be free, they can smell the scent of freedom… but they can’t reach it,” Bowie once said.

The Warsaw mural was designed by architect Dawid Celek, who won the commission in an online poll. Two crowdfunding initiatives helped cover the costs.

The design features a portrait of Bowie from the flame-streaked Ziggy Stardust era, peeping through Warsaw's Palace of Art and Science.

The mural is set to be unveiled on 21 April. (nh/pk)

Listen to Bowie classic track 'Warszawa'