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22 Apr 08Lord Baden-Powell Returns To Poole Quay
Visitors to Poole's historic Quayside will be able to interact with a life-size bronze sculpture of Lord Baden-Powell later this year. The new piece of public art has been specially commissioned by the Borough of Poole in partnership with Poole District Scout Council to celebrate the founding of the Scout Movement in 1908 following the successful experimental camp in Poole Harbour the previous year.
The artwork, which is anticipated to attract widespread attention from members of the worldwide Scout Movement, the local community and visitors to the area, has been funded through the successful fundraising efforts of Brian Woolgar (Chair of the Poole District Scout Council), who has secured £25,000 from local businesses and residents. The Borough of Poole contributed an additional £10,000 acquired through a Section 106 Agreement for the Tesco development at Tower Park.
The statue, which will be unveiled in August is currently being created by leading sculptor David Annand who has a demonstrable track record in life-size, commemorative bronze-work. It will be sited where the harbour ferries depart for Brownsea Island, complimenting the other public artworks along the Quay which include Sir Anthony Caro's 'Sea Music', Simon Watkinson's 'Parallel Plotter' and the Sea Defence Wall carvings- 'Memory and Tidelines 'by Simon Read.
In accordance with the project brief, Baden-Powell will be captured in a natural pose, resting on an up-ended log and looking out towards Brownsea Island. Two further 'perching' logs will be sited at either side to allow visitors to get up close and encourage photo-opportunities (please see attached artist's sketch).
David Annand, Sculptor, said: "Given the number of Scouts and ex-Scouts around the world, I consider this commission to be a great honour and a privilege. I was a Scout in the 60s when life was anything but digital! It brought me into contact with Nature and working with natural materials in the open air. This helps one with dexterity and co-ordination. Being a Scout also taught me charity and patience in dealing with others. Best of all it brought me into contact with people from all around the world. My Father fought the Japanese in Burma in the Second World War and so was delighted when I brought home a Japanese scout to stay. He knew that meeting people of other religions and races was the best way to avoid another conflict. So I am grateful now for the challenge to portray Baden-Powell near the place where it all began.
Nicky Whittenham, Public Art Officer, Borough of Poole, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this project and are looking forward to David Annand's creation of a unique and striking sculptural likeness of Baden-Powell for Poole, in which all can feel a sense of pride."
Brian Woolgar, Chairman, Poole District Scout Council, said: "As project leader and fundraiser I am delighted to see this project come to fruition. This is the culmination of over 3½ years of hard work spent raising the necessary funds. I wish to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in Poole Scouts and Dorset Scouts for their support, and the many individuals and organisations who have generously contributed to this project to create a lasting monument in Poole to the founder of the world-wide Scout Movement which now boasts over 28 million members."
Cllr. Peter Adams,Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community Learning said: "The Borough of Poole is very pleased to be gifted this sculpture from Poole District Scout Council. The prime position it will occupy on Poole Quay will further enhance an already vibrant area and compliment the expanding body of exciting public art in the Borough".
Councillor the Revd.Charles Meachin, Chairman of the Borough Public Art Working Group said "We are indeed fortunate to have this iconic statue of the founder of the world's largest youth organisation, promoting honour, duty, friendship and peace. It all began in Poole!"
Contact: Nicky Whittenham, Public Art Implementation Officer, Borough of Poole on 01202 262616 or email: n.whittenham@poole.gov.uk.
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