Amy Winehouse Statue Unveiled in London

A life-sized bronze replica of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse was unveiled in the London neighborhood of Camden on Sunday, on what would have been her 31st birthday. The statue, designed by artist Scott Eaton, features the beloved songstress in a simple, short, strapless dress, with a Star of David necklace around her neck and a (real) red rose in her iconic beehive ‘do.

Winehouse’s parents Mitch and Janis both attended the ceremony, which was observed by hundreds of fans and locals, some of whom had travelled from as far as mainland Europe and the U.S., according to The Guardian. The bustling, eclectic neighborhood of Camden—one of the best places in London to hear live music—was beloved by Winehouse, so it’s fitting that the statue is located there.

“It’s a day of incredibly mixed emotions,” Mitch said to The Guardian. “They don’t put statues up for people who are with us anymore so it reinforces the fact that physically she’s gone but spiritually she’ll never leave us. I feel sad, very, very sad. We shouldn’t be here but we are, this is the reality and we’ve just got to make the most of it. So this statue is part of making the most of it. Getting people to come here, spend some time with Amy and put a flower in her hair and remember her in a very positive way. That for me is wonderful.”

Judging by the photos, the statue is quite realistic and moving. Winehouse’s gaze reflects her determination and loneliness, and her stance—hand on hip, feet turned coyly inward—is equal parts vulnerable and assertive. The Star of David is a particularly poignant inclusion: Winehouse often spoke of her affinity with Judaism, once telling an Australian newspaper, “I love parties and rock ’n’ roll, but secretly I’m never happier than when I’m cleaning. In 10 years’ time I’m gonna be looking after my husband and our seven kids… At the end of the day, I’m a Jewish girl.”