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 large stone carving made in 1960. It shows Robert Baden-Powell, who started the worldwide Scouting movement. You can find this statue in Queen's Gate, London, right outside Baden-Powell House. An English artist named Don Potter created it.
How the Statue Was Made
The statue is carved from Cornish granite. Granite is a very hard stone, which makes it difficult to sculpt. Because of this, granite statues were quite rare in London back in 1961. This was the only granite statue in the city at that time.
The sculptor, Don Potter, was involved in the Scouting movement himself. Robert Baden-Powell had even supported Potter's work before, asking him to carve special totem poles.
What the Statue Looks Like
The statue is about 3 metres (9.8 ft) (nearly 10 feet) tall. It shows an older Baden-Powell wearing his Scouting uniform and a cape. His arms are crossed in front of him. His left hand rests on a walking stick or a tree branch. His right hand is placed on his left wrist.
You can see his campaign hat tucked behind his right elbow. He holds the brim with his left thumb and forefinger. Below his neckerchief, you can spot his Bronze Wolf Award medal.
Unveiling the Statue
The statue was officially revealed on July 12, 1961. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, who was the President of the Scouts at the time, unveiled it.
At the bottom of the statue, there is a plaque. It reads:
ROBERT. FIRST BARON BADEN-POWELL OF GILWELL OM
1857 – 1941
FOUNDER OF THE BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT
