One of the country's leading art houses has been forced into an embarrassing auction U-turn on an upcoming sale of items from Amy Winehouse's archives after a row broke out about their ownership. Items from Amy Winehouse's archives – including handwritten lyrics and a personalised bowling shirt – are being auctioned by Sotheby's, as part of its inaugural popular culture auction later this month. Winehouse's items are being brought to auction by singer Tyler James, who was one of her best friends. After online bidding began on Thursday 29 August, the auctioneers received a letter from the late singer's estate questioning the personal items and asking to establish ownership of the items before sale. Following the letter the items are no longer available to view on the auction website.
The Ongoing Legal Battles
The Winehouse estate has also been locked in another legal battle surrounding a dispute over other auctions of Amy's possessions in recent years. Amy's former stylist Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay are being sued by the Winehouse estate for more than £730,000 over claims they profited from selling her personal property. Mitch Winehouse, acting as administrator of his daughter's estate, alleges the two women, who oppose the claim, sent 'various items of personal property owned by Amy during her lifetime' to auctions in 2021 and last year. Last month the High Court was told there is evidence of 'suspicious circumstances'. The two women's lawyers previously said Mr Winehouse had not shown that the items in the case belonged to his daughter's estate nor that he was entitled to sue. They deny 'wrongfully' acquiring any items, saying they would 'frequently lend' the singer, who died in 2011 aged 27, items amid their shared interest in 'fashion and style'. The two women were Amy’s former flatmates in London and supported her as she battled her demons, as detailed in the 2021 documentary Reclaiming Amy. Even Mitch acknowledged their close bond, telling the BBC: 'Catriona and Amy, they were sisters. They were more than best friends.'
The Auction Items and Legal Disputes
Regarding the most recent legal battle, a source close to the Estate told the Mail on Sunday: 'Mitch acts for the Estate and this is due diligence. All they have consistently asked for is to establish ownership of the items being sold in auctions.' Referencing the legal dispute with Naomi and Catriona, the source added: 'As it happens, the judge has now ordered Naomi and Catriona to provide more information about how 156 items came into their possession, so it is right and proper to ask these questions. 'If these people can establish their ownership, that's fine. If not, the family would like Amy's possessions back and any funds gained will go directly to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.' The red bowling shirt brought to auction by Tyler James was spotted being worn by Amy after a night out in Camden in 2008, and it is embroidered with 'Amy Civil', referencing her marriage between 2007 and 2009 to Blake Fielder-Civil. Also being sold is a five-page manuscript, written in black ballpoint ink on white lined notebook paper – featuring doodles of hearts, and a doodle of a pin-up girl.
Tyler James's Motivation
Ahead of the sale, Tyler said: 'Sharing these items with Amy's fans is the start of a new journey for me and a new chapter of my life in wanting to help others and give something back. 'I know in my heart Amy would wholeheartedly support it.' Tyler and Amy first met aged 12 at Sylvia Young Theatre School and were friends until the music icon's death aged 27 in July 2011. But his book My Amy: The Life We Shared reportedly upset Winehouse's parents, Mitch, 73, and his 70-year-old ex-wife Janis. Amy's parents were allegedly upset by Tyler's reference to Amy being on anti-depressants from the age of 14, as well as a section where Tyler describes Mitch, a taxi driver turned jazz vocalist, as having been 'upset' when Amy duetted with iconic crooner Tony Bennett. A spokesman for the Winehouses said at the time: 'Amy's parents are disappointed that Tyler has gone ahead with this book without consulting them, and dispute many of his claims.' Tyler competed on the first season of The Voice UK in 2012, finishing joint runner-up to competition winner Leanne Mitchell. In a previous interview, Tyler revealed he felt fame 'f***ed Amy up' and that he had had 'a job' in trying to make her well, which was 'all I wanted to do'.
Amy Winehouse's Legacy: More Than Just a Bowling Shirt
The sale had been revealed to great fanfare this week. Katherine Schofield, head of popular culture at the auction house, had said she was 'honoured to feature two British female trailblazers in our inaugural popular culture sale'. A spokesperson for the Amy Winehouse Estate declined to comment. Sotheby's was not available for comment. A representative for Tyler James has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. The ongoing dispute over the ownership of Amy Winehouse's personal items highlights the complex legacy of a singer who died at the age of 27 but whose music and style continue to inspire generations. While the debate over the ownership of these artifacts continues, one thing remains clear: Amy Winehouse's influence on music and fashion will continue to resonate for years to come.
