The Unseen Amy...Phil Knott's 'Hope' Shows the Beginnings of a Legend, Zebra One Gallery

On September 13th, Zebra One Gallery and the Amy Winehouse Foundation will unveil Hope, a month-long exhibition of previously unseen photos of the jazz icon by acclaimed photographer Phil Knott.

Knott first worked with Amy in 2003 on promotional shoots for her debut album Frank and continued to shoot her during the early years of her career.

His poignant photographs will be displayed alongside works created by celebrated artists for the event. These works - by artists including Mason Storm, Dan Pearce and Finn Stone - will then be auctioned with all proceeds going towards the Amy Winehouse Foundation. The Foundation was founded in the aftermath of the singer's death to prevent the effects of drug and alcohol misuse in young people and help them achieve their potential.

A spokesman from the Amy Winehouse Foundation says

“We would like to express our thanks to Phil Knott and all of the associated artists who have so generously participated in the ‘Hope’ exhibition, sharing both their time and creativity. It is so touching that Amy continues to move so many with her talent and beauty, and we are happy to mark our 5th anniversary with such a fitting tribute to her”

Phil Knott will also be donating 20% of the sales from his photographs to the Foundation. After Nyne met with Phil ahead of the exhibition at Zebra One's Hampstead gallery to gain his insight into the 21st century's lost icon.

Phil, what were your first impressions of Amy?

The Amy I remember, back in those early years, was full of hope, beauty and shy innocence. That’s what moved me the most, when I unearthed this box of never-before-seen photos of her, after moving to LA. Before she’d constructed her larger than life persona - with the beehive, eyeliner and tattoos - she captivated those around her just with her voice, those big, green eyes and that beautiful, full smile. She was also extremely funny and mischievous.

How much input did she have into her session/sessions with you?

She had enormous patience and was very thoughtful and professional, and made sure everybody around her was having a good time, while working. These photos were taken in the early years, starting in 2003, to promote her debut album, Frank. She had a dynamic magnetism that we both wanted to capture, and we explored the compelling balance between the two sides of her personality, back then - the shy, innocent and thoughtful side and the funny, mischievous and wild side. And we had a lot of fun doing it - she made sure of that.

Did you have any indications that she would become as big as she did?

She was one of the true, inimitable stars of this generation. And it was more than evident back then. She had it all, the extraordinary, jazz voice that sounded like it had come from another time; the incredible presence; charm; beauty and the intense passion for her music and for giving the best to those around her.

For a tough woman, she was also immensely vulnerable. What are your thoughts on that?

I think that vulnerability shines through, in the most charming and poignant way, in these photos. So I am extremely proud to have captured that beautiful truth in those early years. She was undoubtedly tough - even back then - but also extremely vulnerable. And that magical Yin and Yang was crystallised in her music and performances. This beautiful juxtaposition is one of the reasons why she’s become the beloved star that she is today. But it is also one of the tragic reasons why she isn’t with us today - because one outweighed the other, as time went on.

Do you think it’s more difficult nowadays for young people to thrive in the entertainment industry?

I’ve worked with a host of young artists, from Justin Timberlake to The Libertines, Katy Perry and Tinie Tempah. And I think it’s always a challenge to enter the spotlight, whatever the age and especially when you’re young. But there is a lot more pressure and scrutiny under today’s stars, so it is very difficult.

What impression of Amy would you like people to take away from this exhibition?

I wanted to work with the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Zebra One Gallery, to celebrate her life and inspire the young people the charity is doing fantastic work for in her memory, by showing Amy in her prime, before the addictions - that they are also battling - took hold.” And that is how I would love people to remember her, as she was in those images, in her prime. That is why we have called this exhibition ‘Hope.'

If you could go back in time, what single piece of advice would you give Amy?

I would tell her to listen more to the strong, confident voice in her head and appreciate the amazing gifts she had been blessed with and how loved she was by the world, as a result.

What do you think Amy’s biggest contribution to the world was?

You could see that she was a one-off, a bright comet, soaring to greatness. But what was most charming, was that she had absolutely no idea of how gifted and sparkling she was. Her great gifts were her music, and her raw and powerful honesty and truth.