NORMAN GOSNEY

Bristol-born Norman has enjoyed success as a designer, nightclub operator, and performer.

After adventures in his native England with rock bands, theatre groups, graphic design, skateboarding, and extensive world travel, he relocated to New York City in the late '70s. A lucky fellow, Norman scored the penthouse and gardens atop the iconic Chelsea Hotel, where he lived for 25 years. A career as a nightclub designer and operator blossomed, with work on many of the ground-breaking NY clubs of the '80s, where modern nightlife was born. This work expanded to other cities, including Tokyo, Munich, and Miami, while he continued his graphics career, designing movie posters, concert stages, and a wide variety of merchandise. 

In the early 90's he tried to escape to a resort he built in Belize, but four years, a marriage, and a hurricane later, he was happy to return to the bustle of Manhattan. There he opened the first modern Burlesque and performance clubs. 

His luck held out, as in 2004, he met the beautiful and talented Amelia Kallman. Together they operated and performed in a string of notorious speakeasies. 

When the Chelsea Hotel changed hands in 2007, they took their skills and ambitions to Shanghai. Together they opened the sensational nightclub, Chinatown, the country's first Neo-Vaudeville extravaganza. Their adventures are detailed in Amelia's award-winning memoir, Diary of a Shanghai Showgirl. 

Now residents in East London, they pursue their dreams and demons, Norman as a writer, designer, and artist, Amelia as a sought-after futurist, artist, and author.