The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Mad About the Girl: Newly released photos show Amy Winehouse the way she saw herself

‘This is not a doom-and-gloom-and-then-she-dies story,’ says photographer Blake Wood. ‘There were amazing bright moments amid all the chaos and that’s what I see in these images’

Nancy Jo Sales
Friday 06 July 2018 19:47 BST
Comments
Winehouse in Saint Lucia, 2009. The singer was at the height of her celebrity but struggled with personal issues and the scrutiny of constant media attention
Winehouse in Saint Lucia, 2009. The singer was at the height of her celebrity but struggled with personal issues and the scrutiny of constant media attention (Blake Wood/Taschen)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When 22-year-old American photographer Blake Wood moved to London on the heels of a breakup in 2007, a mutual friend introduced him to Amy Winehouse.

After winning five Grammy Awards for her 2006 album Back to Black, the celebrated singer with the sultry and emotionally raw voice was at the height of her celebrity, but struggling with her wayward partner and the scrutiny of constant media attention. Bonding over their relationship woes, Wood and Winehouse developed a close friendship and would become inseparable for the next two years.

From Winehouse performing in Paris to playing drums at her home studio in Camden Town, from her at ease on a holiday in Saint Lucia to carefree vamping, Blake Wood captured his own visual diary of the soul diva at a time when she was one of the most celebrated voices on Earth.

He captured photographs that reveal their mutual love, trust, and respect and discovered a rare and lighter side of Amy, totally at ease in front of her friend’s camera; a typical young London girl enjoying life to the fullest.

“This is not a doom-and-gloom-and-then-she-dies story. There were amazing bright moments amid all the chaos and that’s what I see in these images.” — Blake Wood

The photographer: Blake Wood is a multidisciplinary American artist based in New York City and London. Wood’s work has been featured in international media outlets, including Channel 4 UK, i-D, Vice UK, and Dazed

You can purchase Amy Winehouse by Blake Wood and Taschen online

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in