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
The latest inspiring accommodation building at Gilwell Park, the spiritual home of Scouting, has been opened by its benefactor Peter Harrison.
The Peter Harrison Foundation made a generous grant of £1.25 million to build the Peter Harrison Lodge. The lodge offers year round space and accommodation for up to 50 young people. It will allow them to enjoy the challenge and adventure of the 108-mature parkland of The Scout Association’s Gilwell Park Activity Centre, on the edge of Epping Forest, North London.
Sophie Richings, an 18-year-old Scout Leader from nearby Enfield, helped Peter to officially open the state-of-the-art building. She said 'I have always loved camping at Gilwell Park because there are so many activities, from abseiling to zorbing. Now that I have become a Scout Leader, I can bring all my Scouts for the weekend and we can stay in the brand new Peter Harrison Lodge.'
Peter said 'I am very proud of the Foundation and what we have been able to do. The Peter Harrison Lodge will provide more opportunities for young people with special needs and disabilities to take part in Scouting.'
All the rooms are en-suite with a maximum of four beds per room and a separate room for adult leaders. The lodge also has a large communal hall, suitable for use as a dining space, social area or for indoor activities. The design is energy efficient with creative use of natural light. It has been built on traditional load bearing masonry on piled foundations with pre-cast block and beam floor and timber trussed rafter roof. The flat roof areas have been inverted with natural materials designed to encourage wildlife.
The Scout Movement is widely acknowledged for its unique place in society in promoting values-based education and activities, and for the real difference it makes to individuals and their communities.
Peter was a Scout in Cheadle in Cheshire from eight to 18 years, which inspired him to become a successful business entrepreneur. As a keen and active sportsman throughout his life, Peter believes that education and sport provide the key stepping stones to self-development, creation of choice, confidence building and self reliance.
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The logWelcome to the newsletter for Wood Badgers around the world. Thank you to Bill Gibbon from the UK for the suggested title of this newsletter. Bill says this title captures the log emblem that's been with Gilwell forever. It also suggests a 'log' of activities that we remember such as hikes, camps, patrol meetings etc, some of us from our own Wood Badge courses in days past. |
Visiting Gilwell Park?If you are planning on visiting the UK this year then make sure you pop into Gilwell Park. You can book your tour online and we'll make sure it's tailored to your needs. |
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'A different kind of portrait for a different kind of Chief Scout'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. Read more..... |
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Fly the flag Looking for a special gift for someone? |
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Building for the futureThe latest inspiring accommodation building at Gilwell Park, the spiritual home of Scouting, has been opened by its benefactor Peter Harrison. The Peter Harrison Foundation made a generous grant of £1.25 million to build the Peter Harrison Lodge. The lodge offers year round space and accommodation for up to 50 young people. It will allow them to enjoy the challenge and adventure of the 108-mature parkland of The Scout Association’s Gilwell Park Activity Centre, on the edge of Epping Forest, North London. |
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Regular donationsYou can now make regular donations on the website if you want to pay your Membership to 1st Gilwell Park online or set up your regular payments to become a Friend of Gilwell. Any donation received is spent at Gilwell Park on the Redevelopment Campaign. |
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