In January 2006 it was announced that Stephen was being named by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his services to the art world. “It’s an absolute honor,” his sister, Annette, told Geoffrey Wansell for the London Daily Mail (January 3, 2006). “It brought tears to my mum’s eyes and mine because we’ve all worked so hard for Stephen.”
Later that year, with the encouragement of Annette and her husband, Zoltan, Stephen Wiltshire founded his permanent art gallery in London’s Royal Opera Arcade, London’s oldest shopping arcade. In 2011, Stephen received an Honorary Life Fellowship from the Society of Architectural Illustrators, presented by artist Ben Johnson. The gallery recently celebrated its 5th year of opening and the search for Stephen’s second premises in New York continues today.
Many observers have noted that Stephen has an engaging personality and a strong sense of humor. He sometimes performs impromptu, but wickedly accurate imitations of such singers as Robbie Williams. He currently resides in Maida Vale, West London with his mother.
LINKS
http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/biography.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Wiltshire
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/honour-for-autistic-man-who-speaks-through-art-521594.html