Amy Winehouse Statue Gets Green Light

A life-size statue of the late singer Amy Winehouse is set to be placed near the Camden home where she died after the local council approved the plans.

The bronze is expected to be erected on the balcony of the Roundhouse music venue around September despite objections from some conservationists who think it is too early for a memorial.

The statue is of the star in a short dress with her trademark beehive hairstyle. It has been agreed that the Scott Eaton design will not be lit up at night to prevent crowds gathering.

Winehouse, 27, had a famous affinity with the building and the whole Camden area.

The venue was where she made her last public performance and she played there with Paul Weller when it was re-opened in 2006.

Winehouse accidentally drank herself to death at her north London house in July 2011, a coroner ruled in January.

St Pancras Coroners Court heard there had been no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of illicit drugs in her system.

But the level of alcohol in her blood had been over five times the drink-drive limit. Two empty vodka bottles were found on the floor of her bedroom.

The Back to Black singer's home in Camden Square became the focus of a vigil by fans.

The proposed statue location is reportedly seen as partly to steer them away from the residential square and as a way of inspiring youngsters who attend creative courses at the music venue.

Her father, Mitch, said: "Amy was in love with Camden, and it is the place her fans from all over the world associate her with. The family have always been keen to have a memorial for her in the place she loved the most, which will provide fans a place to visit and bring extra custom to local businesses.

"The Roundhouse seemed an obvious choice of location as Amy had a special relationship with the venue. She played there with Paul Weller when the venue re-opened in October 2006 and her last public performance was on the same stage just days before she passed away in July 2011.

"We are strong supporters of The Roundhouse and their innovative music programmes which provide access to projects and opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and we have funded their Roundhouse Radio programme for the next three years.

"Amy was a wonderful person, she did a lot for Camden and did a lot for kids, she was one of the greatest singers the world has ever known."

Camden Council's deputy mayor Councillor Jonathan Simpson, (who is also Camden's music czar) said: "I’ve been very impressed with the designs for the memorial I've seen – it's clear a great deal of thought has gone in to the plans.

"I think Amy's legacy will live on for decades, not only because of her songwriting abilities, but through the work of the Foundation in supporting young people.

"As the Roundhouse Trust does such brilliant work with young people through their education schemes, I'm pleased the memorial will be able to go there."

Camden Town Conservation Advisory objected to the plans during consultation.

The committee said: "We are concerned that this statue of Amy Winehouse should be proposed so soon after her death ... It often takes some time to devise an appropriate and lasting memorial as well as to provide a really suitable venue.

"We are not necessarily impressed by Scott Eaton's statue and certainly feel that a much better venue could be found.

"The proposal certainly seems to have far more commercial aims than the simple one of remembering Amy."