Artist like Stephen Wiltshire can be describe as one in a million. He has the incredible talent of drawing entire cities using his photographic memory. Being an autistic did not prevent him from creating wonderful works of art.
Who is Stephen Wiltshire?
He was born in London in 1974 and his parents were from West India. When he was three years old, his parents were informed by the doctors that he is autistic. He was also unable to speak until he reached the age of four.
It was in Queensmill, a school in London that he discovered his talent for drawing. It was also in school that he reportedly uttered his first word - "paper". By the time Wiltshire was ten years old he accomplished a series of London landmark drawings, each representing a letter of the alphabet.
The New York Challenge
Swiss bank UBS took Wiltshire to New York where he was given a tour of the city via helicopter. After the flying tour, the artist was given the task of drawing the whole City of Manhattan in a giant canvas using his mental photographs of the area.
His Manhattan city drawing was stunningly accurate. There is no doubt that Wiltshire's photographic drawing is a truly unique feat.
Wiltshire's Autistic Condition
Stephen Wiltshire has been classified as an autistic savant. According to Wikipedia, savants may have some injuries in the brain or are suffering from some "neurodevelopmental disorders".
According to Darold Treffert, a psychiatrist, he believes that savants like Wiltshire have "exceptional memory" which is the second highest talent or skill of savants.
Wiltshire's Career
He is a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and member of the Society of Architectural Illustrations (FSAI).
The Royal Opera Arcade in London currently houses a permanent gallery of his works.
