Norman Arlott - Bird Illustrator

This site showcases the work of Norman Arlott - one of the leading illustrators of bird field guides. You can see a sample of Normans work here.

Norman Arlott lives in the English County of Norfolk. Fifty-four-year-old Arlott modestly attributes his success as a bird illustrator to sheer luck.

"I was simply the right person in the right place at the right time" Arlott's interest in things avian began at a young age when he both watched birds and collected eggs - a popular activity in the 50's and 60's. At secondary school Arlott's gift as an artist and illustrator were already apparent and he was encouraged to to study art at University. However he wasn't keen on another load of schooling and opted instead on an engineering apprenticeship.

A chance encounter with Eric Hosking led to his first project - the illustration of a book on East African birds. He visited Africa under the guidance of John Williams and never again returned to engineering. One thing led to another, and he has been a full-time wildlife artist for the last 27 years. He has also led safari's in East Africa, and has to date, illustrated more than 100 bird and other natural history books.

Among the titles that Norman has illustrated have been the classic Birds of the Western Paleactic and the highly acclaimed Handbook of the Birds of the World - a 16 volume series, of which 8 volumes have been published.

Arlott has worked on all three editions of the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa, the first of which was published in 1993. Work on the first edition of Sasol, together with Peter Hayman took over two years. Arlott has also worked on the much-awaited Field Guide to the Birds of Africa South of the Sahara.