John Tripp
John Tripp was a notable Anglo-Welsh poet and short-story writer born in 1927 in Bargoed, Wales. Raised in a politically charged environment, he was deeply influenced by his father's support for British monarchy while he himself was an ardent nationalist advocating for Welsh autonomy. This ideological backdrop enriched his literary work, through which he expressed his sentiments about Wales, particularly Cardiff, with affection and intensity. Tripp's early career included roles as a journalist with the BBC and a civil servant, alongside editing the literary magazine Planet. He gained recognition for his poignant poetry, including works like "Diesel to Yesterday" and "The Loss of Ancestry," which often explored themes of Welsh nationalism and social issues of his time. His 1970s collection, *Bute Park, and Other Poems*, showcases his love for his homeland through vivid imagery and personal photographs. After his passing in 1986, Tripp's legacy was honored through memorials and awards, including the John Tripp Spoken Poetry Award, solidifying his impact on Welsh literature and culture.
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Subject Terms
John Tripp
Poet
- Born: July 22, 1927
- Birthplace: Bargoed, Wales
- Died: February 16, 1986
Biography
John Tripp was born in 1927 in Bargoed, Wales. Throughout the late twentieth century, he lived with his blacksmith father at the picturesque and historical Whitchurch Common. Along with the natural beauty of the residence, there was also political tension raging in this otherwise peaceful setting: Tripp was a fervent nationalist and a long-term supporter of Welsh autonomy while his father took a viewpoint in support of monarchal British rule. As a result, Tripp was inclined to release much of his nationalist sentiment through literary outlets.
Before becoming a prominent Anglo-Welsh poet and short-story writer, Tripp worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as a journalist and later became a civil servant. He also edited the literary magazine Planet and was a popular performance poet.
From these occupational endeavors, Tripp gained valuable and intense insight for his poetry. In conjunction with his nationalist themes, he was inspired to write about his native land in detail, especially Cardiff, of which he was particularly fond. Tripp’s small book from the early 1970’s, Bute Park, and Other Poems, beautifully communicates the love and affection he had for his homeland. The volume’s verse is set in various Cardiff locations with photos of himself visiting these spots to illustrate the text.
Among his many successful works, Tripp is best known for “Diesel to Yesterday” and “The Loss of Ancestry.” Terse, nostalgic, bitter, and at times tender, Tripp’s poetry was always engaged with the issues that mattered most to him. In the 1970’s, it was Welsh nationalism and the possibilities raised by the devolution vote in 1979. Following defeat in that referendum, Tripp was increasingly moved by the economic and social regressions of the early 1980’s.
Still a relatively young man in his fifties and still immersed in his writing, Tripp died on February 16, 1986. Following his unexpected death, a local group proposed and erected a memorial bench in Tripp’s honor. A plaque was also dedicated to the poet in 2006 at the Whitchurch Library. The memorial plaque was commissioned by a number of leading figures in the Welsh literary world, led by Meic Stephens. It was unveiled by Tripp’s longtime friend Jean Henderson.
Compiled posthumously, Selected Poems is a volume of poetry that was published in 1989 to draw on all of Tripp’s works, together with work published since Passing Through in 1984 and previously unpublished poems. It was edited by his friend and fellow poet John Ormond. In commemoration of his achievements as a scholar, the John Tripp Spoken Poetry Award was also founded in his honor.
Tripp was always a familiar sight in the Welsh community and around the city he commemorated in his striking poetry. For that, he is remembered and loved not only by Welsh citizens but also by those who appreciate his ability to communicate in deed and verse the values and beauties of the nationalist spirit.