1995 Prix de West Collectors' Bolo by Grant Speed

The 1995 Prix de West Collectors’ Bolo features a powerful longhorn steer head in bronze by renowned Western sculptor Grant Speed (1930–2011). The bolo translates Speed's sculptural treatment of the Western working animal into a distinctive wearable form. Its elongated horns and strong, simplified modeling give the piece an unmistakable Texas character while retaining the dimensional quality and presence of Speed's larger bronzes.

Speed's connection to the subjects he portrayed was deeply personal. Born in San Angelo, Texas, he spent his youth and early adulthood working as a cowboy, including time on ranches, breaking horses, and riding in rodeos. He later earned a degree in animal science from Brigham Young University and initially supported his family as a teacher while developing his skills as a sculptor. By 1968, he had committed himself to sculpture full time. Speed once explained his artistic goal simply: "I really wanted to be the world's best cowboy," and when he discovered Western art, he found that he "couldn't stop reading about it, looking at it, and studying it."

That firsthand experience became central to Speed's art. Rather than approaching the West solely as historical subject matter, he depicted the animals, people, and working life he knew from experience. The U.S. Department of State describes his work as capturing "the essence of the modern working cowboy" through a style Speed called "loose realism." He was also a founding member of the Cowboy Artists of America and participated in its inaugural 1966 exhibition at what was then the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His reputation was firmly established by the time this bolo was created; Speed had already received major honors for his Western sculpture, including the Prix de West International and Purchase awards in 1994.

For collectors today, this bolo offers a tangible connection to both Grant Speed's career and the history of Prix de West. It was created during a period when Speed was already recognized as one of the leading sculptors of the American West, and its design reflects the qualities that made his work distinctive—an intimate knowledge of Western life, confident animal anatomy, and a preference for conveying the character and energy of his subjects rather than simply reproducing them. As a wearable bronze, it is an especially compelling example of how Prix de West has brought Western art into the lives of collectors in forms meant not only to be displayed, but also to be worn and enjoyed.

The Collectors' Bolo tradition began in 1986.

Add to your collection of our Prix de West bolos or start your collection today! These bolos are replicas of the original artwork. Each bolo comes with a braided horsehair bolo tie.

Discounts are not available for this item.