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'A different kind of portrait for a different kind of Chief Scout'
25/03/2010
Peter Duncan, ninth Chief Scout of the United Kingdom has unveiled his official portrait at The Scout Association’s forest home, Gilwell Park.
The portrait is the work of contemporary artist Morgan Penn, whose previous commissions include portraits of Adrian Edmondson, Bernie Ecclestone, and Jason Kay (Jay Kay). Described by The Scout Association’s Chief Executive Derek Twine, as a ‘different kind of painting for a different kind of Chief Scout,’ it is a radical departure from previous Chief Scout portraits. Surrounded by young people, the backdrop to the painting also features the activities and adventure that characterised Peter Duncan’s energetic approach to the role.
‘I wanted people to know it was a painting and not a photograph,’ said Morgan about the mud splatters and unfinished areas that make the painting stand out from the formal portraits that have been painted in the past.
Peter Duncan was the Chief Scout of the United Kingdom between July 2004 and July 2009. During that time, the Movement enjoyed one of the most exciting periods in its history – celebrating the Centenary of Scouting in 2007 as well as the 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park in the summer of that year. As comfortable presenting the biggest ever Scouting show, LIVE 07, at the 02 Arena, as climbing to 6,000 metres with Explorer Scouts on Everest, Peter was never afraid to try new things.
‘It’s a fantastic portrait,’ said Peter at the unveiling. ‘I love the fact that it’s different and I’m so pleased young people are such a big part of it. Scouting is about helping young people get the chance to try new activities, make friends and discover their potential.’
Through his inspiring leadership, he embodied the spirit of fun, challenge adventure that characterises our Movement’s 400,000 young people and 100,000 volunteers. When he handed on to tenth Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, at Gilwell Park on 11 July 2009, Scouting was invigorated, growing and prepared for the future. ‘I’ll never forget the friends I’ve made,’ said Peter on his departure, ‘together we’ve set Scouting on the road to adventure.’
Morgan Penn is an English portrait painter based in Chelsea London and is completely self taught. Morgan travelled to Scotland and Gilwell Park to capture Peter and the Scouts taking part in activities and adventure. Peter also sat for private sittings in London. Find out more about Morgan at www.morganpenn.com
The Scouts featured in the painting are Pamela, Lewis, Eugiene, Philippe, Maryse, Johny, Caroline, and Joe. A two hour DVD celebrating Peter's five years of adventure will shortly be available from Scout Shops.
Comments
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By Steve
on 25/03/2010 13:58 Whilst I think the work that Peter did is excellent is it right, in the current climate that we are spending money on pictures ?
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By Mat
on 25/03/2010 16:40 A fitting tribute to all the fantastic work Peter did for Scouting in the UK.
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By John
on 26/03/2010 15:41 It's a great, lively record of a dynamic period of Scouting history. Whilst I can understand Steve's reservations about spending money on pictures, we must document the history of Scouting for the benefit of future generations. Money was even shorter during and after World War II, but we are fortunate now that the history was preserved. Well done!
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By Harvey
on 26/03/2010 17:21 A really amazing picture, we definatly SHOULD be spending money to add to the heritage of the Scout movement.
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By David Knowles DL Vice-president Leicestershire Scout Council
on 27/03/2010 00:31 Brilliant portrayal, essential to our history. A young people's picture for a young people's movement. Let it be hung at Gilwell in a busy area, not in the depths of The White House, and why not have it on tour through public galleries in our major cities - try Leicester Museum and Art Gallery for a start.
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By Helen
on 27/03/2010 05:43 That is brilliant ...
At first it seems a little crowded and then it starts to have it's effect, that Peter is reaching out from the fun and chaos to invite the observer into the picture - and with the left handshake as well.
I'm pleased that the other Scouting people are included ... but i do feel that it is more a portrait of Scouting in that time period than it is a portrait of Peter Duncan.
Very well thought out and very striking.
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By Kay
on 28/03/2010 09:16 An excellent job done by Peter and I think he has lifted Scouting successfully into the Twenty-first Century.
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By Jo Cole
on 28/03/2010 11:51 Thank you Peter for your energy, commitment, vitality and leadership. I saw shook hands watched you abseil onto the stage at Eurojam and shook hands with you and knew we were in for a fun trip then!!!! It was a fantastic journey to the centenary and beyond and it was a privelege for us to have you as our leader. Portraits? Think we should celebrate excellence, preserve history and capture the moment for future generations and more to the point - I love the painting.
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By Jacquie
on 28/03/2010 11:58 What a fantastic way to finish this Chief Scout life, Peter brought to the movement the youth , insperation and courage that the young people needed. The new Chief Scout has some big boots to fill in my opinion and to have a portait of himself with the young people he supported is Great. Well done Peter
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By Jane
on 29/03/2010 11:01 Fantastic, I love it. Peter bought the movement bang up to date-
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By Mick
on 29/03/2010 13:26 I fully agree that there should be a tribute such as this but surely a photograph would have done the trick and at a mere fraction of the cost. Harveys comment is spot on but we should be spending the money to the direct benefit of our present Scouts and our Scouts of the future. Consider this - Out of all the Scouts in the UK, how many will ever get the opportunity to see this picture actually hanging on a wall. Our Troops 'new equipment' annual budget is £100 for this year (£0 last year). We need 3 new patrol tents next year to replace our already leaking worn out old ones - can you buy 5-man tents for £33.33p ? Our Scouts will have to make do with what we have got for yet another year and probably another after that. I REALLY think that those at the top of Scouting have forgotten what it is REALLY like at the bottom - Leaders having to beg and scrounge everything, making do with old worn out kit and having to buy things out of our own pockets week in, week out, because subs dont cover it and our parents just cannot afford to pay higher subs. Not everyone lives in leafy suburbia. We are on a hiding to NOTHING at down here at grass roots level and those at the top need to realise this before it is too late to mend.
Will anyone from up above have the courage to publish the fee paid for this painting including the cost of all the razzamataz that came with it ? - I suspect not.
My personal opinion of the picture is that the style makes some of the faces look rather spooky and somewhat menacing - especially Peter himself.
Keep your spirits up fellow Leaders - YOU ARE DOING A STIRLING JOB OUT THERE.
Apologies for the rant but I am DEEPLY PASSIONATE about Scouting and I absolutely HATE to see money squandered for the glorification of the few when there is precious little for the masses.
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By Pip
on 29/03/2010 22:52 An excellent portrait for a superb Chief Scout, who brought us back into the world's attention, with energy and laughter. He showed the media that, as Scouts we like to be out there having adventures. He was just the right person to take us through our Centenary year and I feel the portrait is just right especially with the Scouts and activities in there too. Scouting has history and we are making history and it needs to be recorded for future generations. Scouts have always done a lot with very little, and I suspect we will continue to. However didn't B.P. himself say a Scout is Cheerful in all difficulties and that is what sets us apart!!!
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By Jon
on 31/03/2010 21:36 A waste of money and a waste of time as a chief Scout, he was as out of touch with young people as the people at the top who think its hip to get a celeb as chief. My Scouts had no Idea who he was, the Chief should be a Scouter, the only thing theses Celebs do is get wheeled out on important days to look good for the press whilst the real job of Scouting is left to National commissioners, let’s get back to Scouting and stop trying to look hip.
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By Anne
on 06/04/2010 11:38 I am totally amazed by the negativity of the Scout leaders who have commented here. We have Mick (up the workers) who would rather the Chief Scout was given a photo from Snappy Snaps in the car park before he left. Crass rudeness from Jon who seems to just hate life, and Steve who I suspect always complains about money. I cannot believe that these people who are so shortsighted, snippy and hold a bleak view of life, are in charge of young Adults who are just full of life, energy and very engaging. Scouting does not need dead wood like Steve, Mick and Jon.
As for the painting, it is a superb and inspired portrait of the Chief Scout and Scouting in the 21st Century. Well done to everyone involved!
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