Statue of Robert Baden-Powell, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Robert Baden-Powell |
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The statue, situated by the doors to Baden-Powell House
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| Artist | Don Potter |
| Completion date | 1961 |
| Medium | Granite |
| Subject | Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell |
| Dimensions | 3.0 m (9.8 ft) |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
The Statue of Robert Baden-Powell is a 1960 granite carving of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, in Queen's Gate, London. The statue was created by the English sculptor Don Potter and stands outside Baden-Powell House.
Background
The statue is made from Cornish granite, which is rare because granite is a difficult material to work with. At the time (1961), it was the only granite statue in London. Potter had been involved in the Scouting movement and Baden-Powell had been a patron of his, commissioning carved totem poles from him. The statue is a 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall granite sculpture depicting an elderly Baden-Powell, dressed in his Scouting uniform and wearing a cape. Baden-Powell's arms are crossed in front of his waist. His left hand rests upon a walking stick or tree branch; his right hand rests upon his left wrist. His campaign hat is tucked behind his right elbow, the brim held by the thumb and forefinger of his left hand. Below his neckerchief is his Bronze Wolf medal.
The statue was unveiled on 12 July 1961 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, who was the President of the Scouts. The inscription on the plaque at the sculpture's base reads:
ROBERT. FIRST BARON BADEN-POWELL OF GILWELL OM
1857 – 1941
FOUNDER OF THE BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT
