Famed Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculptor, Robert Glen, Dies at 83
The City of Irving and the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center mourns the passing of world-renowned sculptor, Robert Glen, who passed away at age 83 following a short illness in Cork, Republic of Ireland on Saturday, October 28, 2023. A dear friend to the City of Irving and maker of the City’s most recognizable landmark, the Mustangs of Las Colinas, Robert was an incredibly gifted artist and champion of African wildlife conservation.
“Robert Glen designed and crafted the most iconic sculpture in Irving and will forever be a part of the city’s history, culture and beauty,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. “His active involvement in the recent refurbishing of the Mustangs of Las Colinas in 2021-2022 demonstrated his commitment to Irving, and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
In 1976, Glen was commissioned by Ben H. Carpenter, developer of Las Colinas, to create a large sculpture as the signature piece for the new development in Irving, Texas. This project would span eight years and require work on three continents. Unveiled on September 25, 1984, the Mustangs of Las Colinas feature nine bronze mustangs galloping through a creek in Williams Square Plaza, 5221 N. O'Conner Blvd. The sculpture has become internationally renowned and welcomes thousands of admirers every year.
Reflecting on Robert Glen’s life, longtime Mustangs Museum guide Mary Higbie recalled, “Recognized around the world as an outstanding wildlife artist, Robert Glen’s talent is superbly reflected in our beautiful Mustangs of Las Colinas. They are such an important part of Irving’s identity, and we are fortunate to be able to see them every day. I feel honored to share Robert’s memory and accomplishments with the many visitors who come to see the horses and explore the museum to learn of the making of the monument, the Mustangs of Las Colinas.”
Our hearts go out to all those who loved Robert Glen including his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held by the museum at a later date with details forthcoming.
Background
Born in Nairobi, Kenya on May 24, 1939 to Scottish parents, Robert Glen lived in Africa for most of his life. He left school at the age of 14 with two overriding interests: natural history and art. Finding he could combine both in the study of taxidermy, he left Kenya for an apprenticeship in Denver, Colorado, with the Coloman Jonas Studios.
Returning home in 1959, he devoted the next ten years to becoming a sculptor in the style of European Animaliers while also continuing his taxidermy work. He created scientific collections of birds, small mammals and reptiles for various North American museums, a task which took him across Africa from Cameroon to Madagascar.
In 1970 he decided to take up sculpting full-time, and he never looked back. Concentrating at first on his familiar field of African wildlife, Glen later branched out into the African people and their domestic animals with equal success. Recognition soon followed, and his bronze sculptures are held in the collections of various sportsmen, museums and others throughout the world interested in wildlife and its preservation, including the private collections of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England and the late Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta.
Glen spent the last several decades living in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park with his partner, the accomplished painter and writer Sue Stolberger. They lived in a simple camp studio that included a tent for living and a trailer that served as his studio.
Sculpting from life to capture the true essence of the animals was his passion, and it is reflected in his work, many of which can be seen at the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center at 5221 N. O’Connor, Ste. 110 in Irving, Texas. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closed Nov. 18, 2023).
For expressions of condolence to the family, click here.
