Plans for a life-size statue of the late singer Amy Winehouse, who died in July 2011 aged 27 were unveiled at Camden, north-west London, town hall last week. A digital drawing of the bronze memorial statue by Scott Eaton was submitted to the council to be considered for placement on the first floor terrace of the Roundhouse, Chalk farm, near to where she lived and was part of the thriving Camden scene.
The sculpture depicts Winehouse, a six-time Grammy winner standing at a bar waiting to be served. The singer who died at her home from binge drinking was a regular at Camden’s Hawley Arms pub. “It is hoped the statue will be a lasting tribute to a great performer who displayed a deep affection for the area and its legendary live music scene, while at the same time inspiring young men and women enrolled in the Roundhouse’s creative arts courses.” Camden Council deputy mayor Jonathan Simpson 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.”
Mr Eaton said that the images submitted were of a work-in-progress digital maquette and that a wax version would be made next. He said, “The digital technique was more commonly used in architecture than for art installations”. He added: “Fifty years from now people will remember Amy, and her music will stand the test of time. Hopefully the statue is a tribute to that.” Amy’s father Mitch Winehouse said: “I think she would have been over the moon.”Long after you and I are gone, Amy will be remembered in a memorial on the streets.”
Scott Eaton is an artist and designer residing in London. He is works in the emerging field of digital sculpture, which combines the power of digital tools with traditional sculptural techniques and 3d-printing and fabrication. His background uniquely positions him to merge traditional and digital techniques – having studied both engineering and art at Princeton University and the renowned MIT Media Lab. He subsequently continued his art studies at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy.
Eaton frequently gives talks on his work including recent lectures at the Tate Modern Museum, London. When not busy with his art and design projects, he creates visual effects for films. His recent film projects include Spielberg’s War Horse, Wrath of the Titans, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Captain America, and Clash of the Titans. The planning will be considered by Camden Council before 16 May with a decision expected soon after.