-
1 of 253523 objects
The Black Rhino 1988
Autograph manuscript on paper. [12] p. | 32 x 25.7 x 0.1 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1008644
-
This poem was written for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as President of the World Wildlife Fund (now known as the World Wide Fund for Nature), as a contribution to the Rhino Rescue Appeal of 1987. The Duke, in his capacity as the Fund’s International President, was central to the appeal to save the black rhino from extinction. Phince Philip held the position of President Emeritus of the World Wide Fund for Nature until his death in 2021.
Black rhino numbers reached a low point of less than 2,500 in the early 1990s, but have doubled in number since then, thanks, in part, to the efforts of institutions such as the World Wide Fund for Nature.
This manuscript copy of the poem is in Hughes' hand.
Ted Hughes was born in Mytholmroyd in West Yorkshire and brought up in South Yorkshire. He began writing poetry when at school and continued at Cambridge. His first wife, Sylvia Plath, encouraged Hughes to submit his manuscript The Hawk in the Rain for a competition and it was published in 1957. He continued writing poetry in which he explored the natural world and mythical themes. He also wrote many works for children.
In 1984 he was appointed Poet Laureate and during this time he formed a close friendship with Queen Elizabeth, the consort of King George VI, to whom he presented a number of manuscripts and volumes of his poems. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1998, shortly before he died.Provenance
Presented to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh by Ted Hughes, 29 March 1988.
-
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Autograph manuscript on paper. [12] p.
Measurements
32 x 25.7 x 0.1 cm (book measurement (conservation))
34.6 x 27.8 x 0.9 cm (book in box)
35.0 x 1.0 cm (book measurement (inventory))