A century ago a French psychologist discovered that some mentally handicapped people possessed exceptional talents and called them "Idiot Savants" (French for "learned idiot" or "knowledgeable idiot"). In the film called The Foolish Wise Ones, three such people are portrayed, giving a fascinating glimpse into the hidden potential of the human mind. Stephen Wiltshire is one of these gifted individuals.
Stephen Wiltshire in front of a detailed sketch of the Sydney cityscape
Stephen was born in London, United Kingdom, on 24th April 1974 to West Indian parents. As a child he was mute and did not relate to other people.
At aged three, he was diagnosed as autistic. At the age of five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London, where it was noticed that the only pastime he enjoyed was drawing. Stephen's talents were encouraged and in 2006, Stephen was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the art world.
Nowadays, Stephen continues to express himself in his drawings and his work is sold all over the world from the "Stephen Wiltshire Gallery Ltd".
