Statue of Robert Baden-Powell, Poole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Robert Baden-Powell |
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The statue in 2012
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| Artist | David Annand |
| Year | 2008 |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell |
| Location | Poole, United Kingdom |
| 50°42′43″N 1°59′09″W / 50.71195°N 1.98592°W | |
A statue of Robert Baden-Powell, who started Scouting, stands on the Quay in Poole harbour, Dorset, England. The statue was put up in 2008. It is a life-size bronze artwork by David Annand. It shows Baden-Powell in his scout uniform. He is sitting on a log, like he is at a campfire. There are also two log seats next to him. These seats make it easy for people to take photos with the statue.
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About the Statue
This special statue was created by the artist David Annand. It was finished and put in place in 2008. The statue is made of bronze, which is a strong metal. It is the same size as a real person.
What the Statue Looks Like
The statue shows Robert Baden-Powell wearing his scout uniform. He is sitting down on a log. It looks like he is ready for a campfire. Next to him, there are two more log seats. These are for visitors to sit on. This way, you can take a picture right next to the founder of Scouting!
Why the Statue is in Poole
The statue faces Brownsea Island. This island is very important to Scouting. It is where Baden-Powell held the very first Scout camp in 1907. This camp is seen as the beginning of the worldwide Scout and Guide movement. The statue was officially shown to the public on August 13, 2008.
Recent Discussions About the Statue
In recent years, there have been some discussions about the statue. This is because of certain things Robert Baden-Powell said or did in the past. Some people have raised concerns about his views.
Why Some People Have Concerns
In June 2020, the statue was mentioned during protests. Some people wanted it removed or moved. The local council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, planned to move it. They wanted to put it in storage while they discussed its future.
Efforts to Move and Protect the Statue
On June 11, 2020, council workers tried to move the statue. But they found its foundations were very deep. This made it harder to remove than they thought. A group of local people then gathered around the statue. They wanted to stop it from being moved. They also wanted to protect it from any damage. The council then decided to provide security for the statue. They said they would protect it 24 hours a day. The next day, on June 12, the council covered the statue with boards. This was to keep it safe.
What the Chief Scout Said
Bear Grylls, who is the current Chief Scout, spoke about the discussions. He said that Scouts do not celebrate Baden-Powell for his mistakes. He said they know about them and accept them. But he also said that Baden-Powell is part of their history. Grylls believes it is important to learn from history. He said that the views from Scouting's past might not always match today's values. He stressed that Scouts must learn, change, and get better. He added that Baden-Powell started Scouting, but the journey continues without him. Grylls hopes that Scouting statues stay in place. He believes they remind everyone of the good Scouting brings to young people.
