author
Philip Norman
1842–1931
A careful recorder of old London, this Victorian-era writer and artist turned streets, buildings, and local history into lively works of memory. His books are especially appealing for listeners who enjoy the city’s hidden corners and the stories tucked inside them.
2 Audiobooks
London Signs and Inscriptions
by Philip Norman
Drawings of Old London
by Philip Norman
About the author
Born in Bromley in 1842, Philip E. Norman was a British artist, author, and antiquary. He was educated at Eton and studied drawing and watercolor, later becoming known for detailed views of historic London and other architectural subjects.
Alongside his artwork, he wrote books and articles on London’s past and contributed entries to the Dictionary of National Biography. His work is often valued for preserving the look and atmosphere of buildings and neighborhoods that were changing or disappearing in his lifetime.
Norman was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and remained active in historical and artistic circles for many years. He died in 1931, leaving behind both written and visual records that still help readers picture an older London.