Stories

Joshua's intricate line drawings

The Queen owns one of Joshua's drawings, but this teenager is completely unfazed by his growing celebrity status. His first book 'Joshua' has just been published, and today he is enjoying a launch party at Number 9 the Gallery in Birmingham, where his work is being exhibited.

Julie Walters

His celebrity admirers include actress Julie Walters, who has written the foreword to his book;

Being filmed for Korean TV

" I met Joshua Whitehouse in 2000 when I visited the Smethwick Achievers in Birmingham and saw his work.

"He has certainly come a long way since then - not only are his pieces sought after by a growing number of collectors, but he is also raising funds for those less fortunate than himself."

Step into Joshua's world

Joshua's book is a collection of 24 of his drawings that show a unique insight into the world that Joshua sees and draws. Each picture is annotated by Joshua's thoughts behind the drawing.

Mum Fiona Whitehouse is understandably thrilled by her gifted son's achievements;

Joshua

"The book is a real celebration of what Joshua has wanted for a long time. He's having a great day, all his friends are here and he's signing books!"

As for Joshua, he takes it all in his stride. A calm and polite young man, Joshua's artwork has thrust him into the limelight and given him a new found confidence. Having Asperger's Syndrome means communication can be a challenge, but a challenge that Joshua meets head-on as he happily sits drawing away in front of an audience getting animated when he has the opportunity to talk about his work;

"It's very very interesting having my own book now I'm 14. I didn't expect so many people to be here and the TV crew from Korea. My school friends are very impressed and it's all very exciting."

Gina McDonald and the Korean TV crew

Joshua worldwide

Interest in Joshua has spread worldwide, and Gina McDonald from MBC television in Korea was also here in Birmingham to produce a documentary about Joshua after seeing him on this website;

"I'm here to make a documentary about Joshua, an extraordinary artist. Being autistic has made him different and unique. In Korea, autism is not something widely talked about and as a documentary researcher I came across Joshua on the BBC website and knew we had to come and do a story about him."

Simon Corbett

High functioning autistic

Gallery visitor Simon Corbett, a health services academic was himself diagnosed with autism only a couple of years ago and has been admiring Joshua's work for some time. " I understand his world as I'm also a high functioning autistic. It's amazing to watch him work at this level with such precision and without any mistakes. I had no idea Joshua would be here today and it's a thrill for me to see him as I'm keen to learn from other people of my kind. It's a spectrum of uniqueness."

An exhibition of Joshua's work can be seen at Number 9 the Gallery, Brindleyplace, Birmingham until Sunday 13th March 2005, where his book is also available to buy.