Draft:Robert Glen (sculptor)

Robert Glen was born in 1940 and died in 2023. He was a sculptor from Kenya, and he was best known for his distinctive wildlife sculptures including his largest and possibly best known work, the Mustangs of Los Colinas in Irving, Texas. His work has earned him international acclaim, including receiveing the Rungius Medal from the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Early Life and Education
Robert Glen was born in Nairobi, Kenya where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and its diverse wildlife and cultures. His early fascination with nature and traditional cultures would later become a central theme in his artistic career.

Career
Robert embarked on his journey as a professional sculptor after studying taxidermy at the renowned Jonas Brothers Taxidermy. Inspired by the rich biodiversity of his homeland, he also worked for many museums collecting bird and bat specimens for scientific collections. Robert has a bat that is named after him that he collected and described, Glen's Wattled Bat. He also helped to describe the Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill with his Partner Sue Stolberger.

One of Glen's most notable works is 'The Mustangs of Los Colinas' which depicts 9 mustangs galloping through water within William's Square are 1.5 times life size and took 8 years to make. The Mustangs were installed in 1984.

Glen's talent for sculpting wildlife gained recognition on the international stage. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and in the collection of the English Royal Family.

Notable Works

 * "David Sheldrick Memorial" - Located in Nairobi National Park, this monument pays tribute to David Sheldrick's legacy and features a collection of lifelike bronze elephants created by Glen.
 * "The Mustangs of Los Colinas" - Situated in Irving, Texas, this monumental sculpture depicts a herd of galloping wild horses.
 * "Pride of the Serengeti" - Commissioned for the Dallas Zoo in Texas, this sculpture captures the beauty and grace of a family of lions in their natural habitat.

Legacy
Robert Glen's lifelike depictions of African wildlife and African traditional cultures showcased Africa's Cultural and Biological Diversity and raised awareness about the importance of conservation and cultural diversity.