Early Life
An Artist Was Born
Stephen Wiltshire MBE is an artist who draws and paints detailed cityscapes. He was awarded an MBE for services to the art world in 2006 and studied Fine Art at City & Guilds Art College.
Stephen was born in London to West Indian parents on 24th April, 1974. As a child he was mute, and aged three was diagnosed as autistic. He had no language and lived entirely in his own world.
At five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London. His teachers encouraged him to speak by temporarily removing his art supplies so he would be forced to ask for them. Stephen eventually uttered his first word — “paper.” He learned to speak fully at the age of nine.
By age seven he was fascinated with sketching landmark London buildings and began winning children’s art competitions. The local press became increasingly suspicious as to how a young child could produce such masterful drawings.
Career Beginnings
The Start of a Career
Media interest turned nationwide and by age eight Stephen received his first commission — from the British Prime Minister — to create a drawing of Salisbury Cathedral.
In 1987 Hugh Casson, former president of London’s Royal Academy of Arts, called him “possibly the best child artist in Britain.” He introduced Stephen to literary agent Margaret Hewson, who helped him publish his first book, Drawings (1987).
Hewson arranged Stephen’s first trip to New York, where he sketched the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings — and met Oliver Sacks, beginning a long friendship. These illustrations formed his second book, Cities (1989).
Stephen then toured Venice, Amsterdam, Leningrad and Moscow, followed by Japan and America, resulting in Floating Cities (1991) and American Dream (1993).
Exhibitions & Panoramas
Sell Out Exhibitions & City Panoramas
In 2001, Stephen appeared in the BBC documentary Fragments of Genius — filmed flying over London, then completing a detailed four-square-mile aerial illustration within three hours.
In 2003 the Orleans House Gallery retrospective drew more than 40,000 visitors, shattering all attendance records.
In 2005 he returned to Tokyo for his largest panorama — 10 metres, 8 days, using pen only. Rome followed entirely from memory, then Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dubai, Jerusalem and London.
New York followed — a five-day marathon on a 6 metre canvas live on CBS. Further trips followed to Sydney, Shanghai, Brisbane, Singapore, Istanbul, Houston, Mexico City and Doha.
Many Talents
Artist of Many Talents
Contrary to popular misconception, Stephen often draws portraits of celebrities and close friends in his private sketchbook. He has been creating caricatures since primary school.
In January 2006, Queen Elizabeth II named Stephen a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the art world.
Later that year, with the encouragement of his sister Annette and her husband Zoltan, Stephen founded his own permanent Art Gallery in London’s Royal Opera Arcade — later moving to Chelsea Harbour and then Notting Hill.
Recent Years
Genius Grows Up
In July 2014, Stephen created a panoramic drawing of Singapore for the National Collection, celebrating the nation’s 50th birthday. An extraordinary 150,000 visitors attended in just 5 days.
In 2019, the 80th floor observatory of the Empire State Building reopened bearing Stephen’s design. The $165 million redevelopment includes a museum space selling reproductions of his work.
That same year Stephen’s film Billions of Windows premiered at Everyman Cinema. His gallery moved to Notting Hill — The Wiltshire Pad — where Stephen continues to draw every day.
Stephen’s Motto
“Do the best you can and never stop.”
Documentary
Billions of Windows — The Movie
Stephen’s feature-length documentary premiered at Everyman Cinema in London. The film follows Stephen as he creates his monumental panoramic drawings of the world’s great cities.
Did You Know?
Favourite Artist
Richard Estes — he admires almost anything from the hyperrealist painter.
New York Penthouse
Stephen designed his own penthouse in New York as a teenager.
Drawing People
He draws more portraits of people than buildings — all kept in his private sketchbook
Racing Driver
He drove a sport coupé on Brands Hatch and broke the clutch several times.
His First Words
“Paper” and “pencil” — just like Picasso. He fully learnt to speak at nine.
Just a Normal Guy
Despite his astounding memory, in Manhattan he once walked 45 minutes in the wrong direction.
Multimedia
Completed a 2-year desktop publishing course a year ahead of all other students.
Postgraduate Degree
Earned his degree in drawing and printmaking at City & Guilds Art School in 1998.
Perfect Pitch
Endorsed by The Royal College of Music for piano and singing.
First Commission
Commissioned at age 8 by the British Prime Minister to draw Salisbury Cathedral.
American Cars
Owns 70+ classic American cars including a 1969 Cadillac Sedan De Ville.
Panorama Record
Tokyo panorama is 10 metres long — took 8 days to complete using pen only.
Favourite Films
Rain Man and Saturday Night Fever.
Quick on the Draw
Shortest drawing time: two minutes — a quick sketch of the Statue of Liberty.
Drawing Pen
Uses Staedtler pigment liner pens for all pen and ink work.
Music Taste
Listens to 60s–90s rock & roll, Motown, funk, soul and R&B while drawing.
Favourite Brands
Apple, Diesel, Burberry, Nike and Bose.
Calendar
First calendar released in 1988, shortly after his first book was published.