Jan Yoors

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Jan Yoors (April 12, 1922 - November 27, 1977) was a Flemish-American artist, photographer, painter, sculptor, writer, tapestry creator, and earlier in life a gypsy.

Yoors was born in Antwerp, Belgium. At the age of 12, he ran away with a group of Rom, or Gypsies, travelling with them for several months. When he finally returned home, rather than scold him, his liberal-minded parents gave him permission to spend part of each year with the Rom, which he did until age 18. Later in life, he wrote a book called The Gypsies about his experiences with them. The book, considered a seminal work, is a rare insider's account of Gypsy life.