Amy Winehouse statue in Camden approved by planners

A proposed statue of the late Amy Winehouse has been approved by local councillors in north London.

The life-sized bronze memorial - designed by Scott Eaton - was approved by Camden Council at a meeting earlier this week, the Camden New Journal reports. It is expected to be installed on the balcony at The Roundhouse in September.


Camden Town Conservation Authority had objected to the plans, saying: "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."

Winehouse's father Mitch and the family were supportive of the proposal, with Sky News quoting him as saying: "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."

Describing his daughter as "a wonderful person" and "one of the greatest singers the world has ever known", Mitch Winehouse added: "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."

It has been agreed that the statue will not be lit up at night, in order to discourage crowds from gathering on the street. It has also been reported that the location was chosen to try to draw fans away from the late musician's former home in Camden Square.

Winehouse was found dead at her home on July 23, 2011 at the age of 27. Her death was ruled as misadventure by accidental alcohol poisoning at a coroner's inquest.