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A statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting, is installed on the Quay in Poole harbour, Dorset on the south coast of England. The statue, erected in 2008, is a life-size bronze[1] of Robert Baden-Powell by sculptor David Annand. It portrays Baden-Powell in his scout uniform, seated on a log as if for a campfire, with a pair of log seats either side which "allow easy access for photo opportunities".[2]
The memorial was unveiled on 13 August 2008,[3] facing Brownsea Island.[4] The island was the site of Baden-Powell's first camp in 1907 which is seen as the start of the Scout and Guide movement.[5]
In June 2020, the memorial appeared on a list of targets by protesters associated with the George Floyd protests in Britain.[6]Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planned to move it into storage pending discussion about its future,[7] but following a failed attempt by council workers failed to remove the statue on 11 June, a group of local people then surrounded the statue to prevent its removal and protect its removal.[6] The council announced that it would arrange 24 hour security for the statue until either the statue had been removed or the threat had passed.[8] On 12 June the statue was boarded up by the council for its protection.,[9][10] however on 8 July the boarding was removed.[11]