About Stephen Wiltshire

Stephen Wiltshire, born in London in 1974, is a British architectural artist with an extraordinary gift. Known as "The Human Camera," he possesses the remarkable ability to draw intricate and precise cityscapes from memory after observing them for only a brief period, often just a single helicopter ride.

A Unique Mind: Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Wiltshire was nonverbal as a young child. His passion for art became his primary form of communication. Teachers at his school noticed his talent and encouraged him by temporarily taking away his art supplies, which prompted him to eventually utter his first word: "paper." By the age of nine, he had learned to speak fully. His early drawings depicted animals and cars, and he is said to have an encyclopedic knowledge of American automobiles. However, it was his fascination with buildings and architecture that launched his career.

The Art of Memory: Wiltshire's unique ability allows him to accurately recreate sprawling urban panoramas with incredible detail. After a short helicopter tour, he can draw an entire cityscape, complete with landmarks, buildings, and intricate features, entirely from memory.

Some of his most famous feats include:

A 19-foot-long drawing of four square miles of London after a brief helicopter ride.

• A 32-foot-long panorama of Tokyo, sketched over seven days after a 20-minute flight.

• An 18-foot-long panorama of New York, also based on a 20-minute helicopter ride, which is now on display at the Empire State Building.

Recognition and Legacy: Wiltshire's work has been featured in numerous documentaries and exhibitions, captivating audiences worldwide. In 2006, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to art. He also opened his own gallery in London that same year.

His story has been an inspiration to many, challenging preconceived notions about the abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. He has been the subject of study by neurologists, including Oliver Sacks, who wrote about him in his book An Anthropologist on Mars. Wiltshire's artistry continues to be a testament to the power of the human mind and a celebration of a one-in-a-million talent.