Lord 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 this Summer. 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 world-wide Scout Movement, the local community and visitors to the area, is currently being created by leading sculptor David Annand, and due for an August installation and unveiling ceremony. Once in-situ – adjacent to where the harbour ferries depart for Brownsea Island – it will complement 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..
The significant fundraising effort for this public art commission began 3½ years ago, since when Brian Woolgar (Chair of the Poole District Scout Council), has been successful in securing £25,000.00 from various sources, including local businesses and residents. The Borough of Poole contributed an additional £10,000.00 of funding, acquired through a S106 Agreement for the Tesco development at Tower Park.
The project brief specified that the sculpture should capture Baden-Powell in a natural pose, as though involved in typical scouting activity around the camp fire. The completed sculpture will be resting on an up-ended log and will be looking out towards the island. Two further ‘perching’ logs will be sited at either side of the figure to encourage accessible interaction and photo-opportunities (see artist’s sketch).
Following national distribution of a brief written by Borough of Poole’s Public Art Officer in partnership with the Poole District Scout Council, 15 artists submitted their portfolios for consideration by the Recruitment Panel. Four artists were short-listed and interviewed to a set format, from which David Annand emerged as the strongest candidate, with a demonstrable track record in life-size, commemorative bronze-work and with whom a contract was subsequently agreed by the Borough of Poole and Poole District Scout Council.
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 60's 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 B-P near the place it all began.
Nicky Whittenham, Public Art Officer, Borough of Poole, said:
We are thrilled that David Annand has been selected to create the sculpture, and are working closely to support him in the 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.
Councillor Peter Adams (Portfolio Holder for C&CL) 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 complement the expanding body of exciting public art in the Borough.
Councillor the Rev.d 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!
Note: Charles Meachin was Minister of St Paul's URC in South Croydon until the early 1990s. He has recently been elected Sheriff of Poole for 2008/09, and will be Mayor in 2009/10. Chris Dean awarded him and his wife 'Thanks Badges' while they were in Croydon. He is a great supporter of Scouting, having himself been a member, and attended the World Peace Jamboree in France in 1947.
Artist's Sketch of the Statue
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