Amy Winehouse statue unveiled in London

Hundreds of fans gathered in Camden, north London, yesterday for the unveiling of a statue in memory of singer Amy Winehouse.

The bronze statue, which sports Winehouse’s signature beehive hairstyle, a star of David necklace and a live red rose, is in the Stables market.

Fans travelled from mainland Europe and even Hawaii to get a first glimpse of the memorial - which sculptor Scott Eaton hoped was “reflective and contemplative” - and broke into loud applause as it was revealed.

British actor Barbara Windsor, who was a friend of Winehouse’s and is a patron of the foundation set up in the singer’s name, said it was a great honour to unveil the statue on the day that would have been the 31st birthday of the singer, who died three years ago of alcohol poisoning, aged 27.

“I’ve had many honours throughout my career, but this is the greatest,” said Windsor. “I was one of the fortunate people who got to know Amy in the last few years of her too short life. Not only was she one of the greatest talents that this country has ever produced, she was a warm, lovely, kind and fun lady. She was what we call in our business a superb bird.”

Winehouse’s father, Mitch, who was a driving force behind the design, planted a kiss on the statue. “It’s a day of incredibly mixed emotions,” he said.

Winehouse’s mother, Janis, was also at the unveiling, although she said she had not been involved with the project. “I am pleased with how the statue turned out because you can see that it’s Amy. It is soon ... but we’re very proud of it. Camden is Amy’s place, it’s where she belongs.”

The Guardian