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14 Aug 08Baden-Powell Sculpture Unveiled
A life size sculpture of Lord Baden-Powell was unveiled on Wednesday 13 August to celebrate Poole's scouting connections.
Following a brief written by Borough of Poole's Arts Development Unit in partnership with the Poole District Scout Council 
, artist David Annand was commissioned to sculpt the bronze figure.
Sited near to where ferries depart to Brownsea Island , the sculpture captures Baden-Powell in a seated position as though involved in a typical activity around the camp fire and looks out to where it all began - Brownsea Island.
The Town Crier, David Squires, began the ceremony before speeches by Brian Woolgar, Chair Poole District Scout Council, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, James Gibson Fleming.
A dedication was made by Revd. Christopher Strain the District Scout Chaplain before the Mayor, Cllr Joyce Lavender, accepted the sculpture from Poole Scouts on behalf of Borough of Poole.
David Annand, Sculptor, said: "It has been a great honour and a privilege to be involved in this project. I am delighted I was able to bring Baden-Powell to life in a place where he helped create so many happy memories. I hope Scouts from past, present and future generations will enjoy the sculpture for many years to come."
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "We thank the Scout Movement for this magnificent gift which celebrates an important and historic relationship between us. We are very fortunate to have this wonderful piece of art in Poole. The prime position it occupies on the Quay further enhances an already vibrant area and complements other public artwork along the quayside."
Brian Woolgar, Chair Poole District Scout Council, said: "This is a wonderful end to over three years of hard work by a great number of people. I thank each of them for their part and their invaluable support in creating a lasting tribute to the man who founded the Scout Movement and worked tirelessly to promote honour, duty, friendship and peace."
It is anticipated that the artwork will attract widespread attention from members of the worldwide Scout Movement, the local community and tourists and has been designed to allow easy access for photo opportunities.
The sculpture forms part of a growing public art collection in Poole, including a number of other works along the Quay: Anthony Caro's 'Sea Music', Simon Watkinson's 'Parallel Plotter' and the Sea Defence Wall carvings - 'Memory and Tidelines' by Simon Read.
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