William E. Degarthe Memorial Monument
Monument Point Of Interest Landmark & Historical Place Attraction 131 Peggys Point Rd, Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia, B3Z 3S1, Canada
21 Photos
Contact & Hours
131 Peggys Point Rd, Peggy'S Cove, Nova Scotia B3Z 3S1 Canada
http://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/william-e-degarthe-memorial-monument/1425
Nearby Attractions
Reviews (186)
Magnificent
Went here on a tour from our cruise ship. Missed the sculpture on the way in but found it when we had a walk around. It really is worth seeing It shows fishermen and is wonderfully done. The story behind it is on plaques to read.
Interesting local monument
There is a plaque with information about it and a couple of good information boards nearby. You don't need to buy tickets to this place.
Good sculpture, good setting
Set back from the road this is a surprisingly easy piece to miss in a such a small place William E. DeGarthe was a local chap who carved this monument into the stone behind his home in tribute to those who fished for a living. He started in 1977 and he worked on it until his death in the early 1980sWorth 10 minutes to have a look
Nice stop
An interesting stop as you head toward the lighthouse. If you like history would recommend stopping by. Near a few local galleries as well.
A monument to fishermen and their families
We didn't notice this fisherman's monument carved in stone until we were returning from a tour of Peggy's Cove and about to leave. Fortunately, my partner spotted this sculpture, so we went to see it. The sculpture depicts 32 fishermen, their wives and children, St. Elmo with wings spread, and the legendary Peggy of Peggy's Cove. The figures are life-size. Be sure to stop by this sculpture when visiting Peggy's Cove. It is a beautiful piece of art.
Tribute to those who work the sea
William E. DeGarthe was a resident of Peggy's Cove who carved this monument into an outcropping of stone behind his home in Peggy's Cove in tribute to those who fished for a living. Started in 1977 he worked on it until his death in the early 1980s. Nice monument to remember those who undertake a hazardous profession like fishing in the North Atlantic for a livelihood.
Interesting art work
Very interesting art carved into the rock. The artist captured the meaning of a town dependent on the sea quite well.
Très belle œuvre sculpturale d'un très grand artiste finno-canadien
Ce monument, sculpté «in situ» à même l'affleurement rocheux de granit de 30 m de longueur, est dédié à tous les pêcheurs de Peggy's Cove et à leurs familles. Il a été réalisé par le peintre-illustrateur et aussi sculpteur (à partir de 1962), William Edward deGarthe (1907-1983), né Birger Edward Degerstedt à Kaskinen en Finlande et émigré au Canada en 1926. Celui-ci a vécu une grande partie de sa vie à Peggy's Cove, en Nouvelle-Écosse, dans la maison / atelier-boutique jouxtant le monument. Cette œuvre sculpturale, commencée en 1976, a nécessité dix années de travail à l'artiste et à un de ses élèves, J. René Barrette (lieutenant-colonel à la retraite). Lors du décès de deGarthe en 1983, le monument était à 80% complété. Selon le souhait de l'artiste, l'épouse de deGarthe fit don de la sculpture à la province de la Nouvelle-Écosse en 1984. L'œuvre comprend trois sections, de gauche à droite : 1) des pêcheurs et leurs femmes et enfants enveloppés par les ailes protectrices de Saint-Elme (Saint-Érasme de Formia, 253-303, patron des marins), 2) la légende de «Peggy of the Cove» popularisée par deGarthe, l'histoire d'une jeune fille, seule survivante d'un naufrage au large des côtes tumultueuses de la Nouvelle-Écosse au début des années 1800, qui s'installa dans la communauté et donna son nom au village et 3) scène de marins et pêcheurs au travail.
Remarkable! Don't miss it
Almost walked right by this remarkable accomplishment outside the deGarthe museum. (Unfortunately the museum was closed...) de Garthe lived in Peggy's Cove from 1955 till his death in 1983. He carved this powerful and moving sculptural tribute to the local fishermen beginning in 1977, when he was 70. It is carved into a granite outcropping which was outside his home. He worked on it until his death, with and assistant after he became ill in 1979. A massive undertaking, beautifully conceived and executed.
Art carved in stone☺
William E. deGarthe carved this " lasting monument to Nova Scotian fishermen " on a 30-metre (100-foot) long granite outcropping situated behind his house in Peggy's Cove. The sculpture depicts 32 fishermen, their wives and children, St. Elmo with wings spread, and the legendary Peggy of Peggy's Cove. William deGarthe was born in Finland and immigrated to Canada in 1926, and for many years he enjoyed each spring and summer at Peggy's Cove.
Watching a master
I had the honor of being there while Mr DeGarthe was working on this piece and took this picture. It was shortly before he finished the craving (now the date I had to enter is not the date it was taken so that's kind of misleading as there were no choices beyond that date)
beautiful memorial
each time I view this monument I discover new detail. I remember Mr. deGarthe giving out chips of stones as people would stop to admire his work. The story of Peggy of the cove that was planned and how she looks in the rock is an amusing one.
Amazing what people can do
Loved the effort he went to over time to create this. Be careful not to miss it as you leave the town as its not where you would expect this to be. Pop up and take a look
Great Work!
Visited Peggy's Cove today. What a beautiful spot, and great work done by the artist! If you are driving by, definately worth stopping here!
Photogenic and Historic Peggy's Cove
Beautiful work of art. Traveling with a Silver Sea excursion. Not enough time to really absorb monuments significance. The group moved on to the Light House and gift shop. (sigh). Read about the monument when I reviewed my photos and relived the worthwhile excursion.
Angels Wings
Beautiful small sculpture in rock as you depart the Lighthouse Area in Peggy's Cove. Interesting story of how rock was created and dedicated to the hardworking fishermen who harvest the ocean in Peggy's Cove.
Interesting monument
The monument sculpted by William de-Grathe and located in the village of Peggy's Cove, is called: " A Memorial to the Brave People of Peggy's Cove ". In this rock monument you can see (from left to right) the families of the fishermen, Peggy from the Bay, and fishermen at work. De-grathe died before completing the monument, and in 1984 his wife donated it to the community at the request of her late husband.
SMALL, Intimate, Incredible
what a life this couple lead. Take the time to visit and learn the story behind this carving and beautiful secret in that wall!
FACINATING!
Peggy's Cove is possibly my favorite tourist location! The monument is facinating. The fishing village, Peggy's Cove, is an absolute delight - like stepping back into a more peaceful time. The lighthouse on the granite foundation is beautiful, as is the terrain of the village. Facinating history.
Hard work
A lot of hard work went into this rock carving and it shows. The shop beside this was closed which was a pity as I would have been interested in having look - maybe next time.
Lovely sculpture
This is a lovely sculpture and worth the walk to see. Hopefully, the shop will be open when you visit.
Wow!
While in Peggy's Cove don't miss this sculpture created by a local artist. Years in the making and a story of interest to all.
Beautiful work
A must see when visiting Peggy's Cove. We've seen this many times and are always impressed. This is a must see while you are visiting Peggy's Cove.
Nice memorial to Fishermen
William Edward deGarthe who lived in Peggy's Cove for much of his life spent ten years making this monument to Nova Scotia's fishermen who lost their lives. It is very intricate and he had 80% of it finished when he died. It is across from the Visitor center and there is also a DeGarth gallery near the memorial. Worth a stop to admire his work.
An artists profound monument to the hard life of the fisherman
Degarth understood the risks the community fishermen took every day they left port in search of the bounty of the sea. This monument carved in granite I think was his way of showing his respect for the difficult life of a fisherman which continues to this day. It's difficult, hard work being at sea for days at a time In cold wet windy weather and I am sure it was extremely difficult for Degarth to carve this interpretation of the last supper. He died before he could complete it. It is a very moving testament to the fisherman of Peggys Cove. I also recommend going to the church in Peggys Cove which is open daily except for Sunday where there are 2 large panels by the artist done in 1963 on each side of the alter.
Intricate rock carving
This memorial monument is located across the street from the visitors center. It is quite long and intricately carved. The artist spent many years carving but passed away befoe he completed. If you are in Peggy's Cove, don't leave town without seeing it.
Amazing Sculpture Work
I was really appalled when I saw this work of art and how intricate and in detail this was done in hard granite rock. It was a tribute to the fisherman of the community and has what appears to be an angel with wings hovering over some of them.
A wonderful tribute
Mrs. P. Agnes dsGarthe honoured her late husband's wishes by donating this monument to the province of Nova Scotia in 1984. It is dedicated to " the gallant men of Peggy's Cove... who harvest our oceans. "
Rock art
Right across from the visitors center. A beautiful well done piece of art. Read the inscriptions nearby. Would recommend when you are here.
Unfinished masterpiece
The great man's tribute to the fisherman of the community was eventually finished by others after his death. It is a wonderful sight to behold, facing the car park before you walk down to the other delights of the Cove. A must see on any visit to Peggy's.
AMAZING!
This is truly a work " from the heart ". It's probably on every tourist's picture list from P's Cove. It's a " must see " & it's free! Make sure you read all about it.
Labour of Love
Situated on the wall adjacent to the gallery this was the artists interpretation to the inhabitants of Peggys Cove and their lives and work. Situated just across the road from the Information Building this was sculptured out of the hard granite in the area and really was a labour of love, which the artist never totally completed in his lifetime.
Beautiful monument to fishermen
In 1926 William immigrated to Canada to work in the foresters industry. He had a talent to art that landed him a career. In the 1980s he started a ten year project to the fishermen of Nova Scotia. He died before he finished so one of his students finished it
Awesome workmanship
This is a great monument with amazing detail. Would have missed it if I didn't see it on a sign by the lighthouse.
Schöne Steinmetzarbeit
W. de Garthe hat hier ein Monument geschaffen, das angeblich auch viele Gesichter der Dorfbewohner beinhaltet. Haben es leider nur im Vorbeifahren bewundern können.
Stunning work
While walking through village this sculpture is clearly scene from the sidewalk.. at first was not sure what it was and glad I took a moment to enter the little garden to read and appreciate the story.. powerful piece of work.. impressive.
Beautiful
The monument a surprise that I wasn't expecting on the way up the hill to Peggy;s Cove. The museum was closed while we were there on a Sunday, so I will be back when it is open
Nice sculpture
William E. deGarthe Memorial the last sculpture by this artist for the people of Peggy's cove. It is across from the information centre and outside of his art gallery. Don't miss it.
William deGarthe Sculpture
It was an amazing sculpture by geGarthe. It is before entering Peggy's Cove and just a few steps away from the lighthouse. It is a monument and a tribute to the Village fishermen and their families.
Amazing Tribute
The William E. deGarthe Memorial is an amazing tribute to the people of Peggy's Cove. It recognizes the fishermen, their families and the faith of the town and the artist. It was the last piece he worked on and it meant everything to him. If you visit Peggy's Cove don't miss this Monument.
Beautiful tribute
We came across this memorial by chance and I am so glad we did. What a wonderful tribute to the fishermen of the area.
Easy to miss if you aren't looking for it
We stopped while on our visit to Peggy's Cove. It is pretty large, but because of how it is angled you can pass right by it if you don't pay attention.
Wonderful tribute to the fisherman & also to Bill deGarthe
Have visited Peggy's Cove many times through the years. The Cove is a must for me to visit every time we are in Nova Scotia. This monument is especially of significance to me as we got to know Bill & Agnes & had the pleasure of watching him carve the rocks. I don't have any photos readily available as I write this, but must look for them & post some. I own a few prints of the Cove painted by Bill. He & Agnes were wonderful people. I treasure the last letter I got from Agnes. Peggy's Cove is a must see. A great place to take photos, & enjoy a meal at the Sou'wester restaurant.
Schön anzuschauen
Einmal durch den Ort laufen und sich alles anschauen. Dann kommt man auch am Ortsausgang an diesem schönen Monument vorbei. Sehr sehenswert!
Fantastic work of patience and skill
A fantastic work of patience and skill, very well executed and it is worth standing for a while and look at the detail.
Nur als Fotospot geeignet
Das Denkmal ist den Fischern von Peggy's Cove gewidmet und ist ein interessanter Fotospot, da es in Peggys Cove außer dem Leuchtturm und dem Eindruck des Gesamtortes nicht soviel zu sehen gibt. Nur dafür hierher zu reisen, wäre allerdings übertrieben. Künstlerisch ist das Monument jetzt nicht besonders wertvoll. Es ist relativ einfach gehalten.
Stop and visit this monument it is fantastic!
It's probably the best 15 to 20 minutes you'll spend on your way to the lighthouse other than when you stop at the Swiss at 111 Monument. The sculpture it's self is very impressive the history behind it is very interesting.
Nice tribute to local fishermen
Walk up the road from the harbour towards the church and you will come across this on the left (before the main car park) It is a large rock with figures carved upon it. Really nice work.
Interesting Carving
This is an interesting carving in natural rock behind his old house. Try to research his story and that of his wife after he died.
Hand carved Memorial by Wm. deGarthe
As you drive to the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove on the right you see a granite outcropping. William was a fine artist and sculptor of Finnish decent. He spent much of his life here in this small fishing village. The sculpture depicts several local fishermen of whom William had known in his lifetime. He worked on this piece for 10 years but was unable to complete the work. There is also a small crypt to the left of the sculpture in which the ashes of Wm and his wife are intombed. There is a small gallery to the left of the sculpture showing more of his works.
Wonderful tribute to hero's of the sea
The sculptor did an amazing piece of work on a rock face outside his studio. It's extensive with numerous carvings. In addition the rock wall holds the small crypt housing ashes of the sculptor & his wife. It's free & worth seeing on your walk into Peggys cove
Granite Carving of Fishermen & Families
You can't miss this lovely artwork if you make a stop at Peggy's Cove. Artist William deGarthe is also featured in a little gallery next to the carving. Very well done and worth the time it takes to view.
Intricate and Detailed
The carving work is beautiful and well worth the visit. This monument is a lovely stop along the road while at Peggy's Cove.
Nice little piece of artwork
I thought this would be a larger monument than it was. While it is carved into a rock face which in itself is a large rock, that is all there is to it. You don't need to spend too long here unless you have something else you want to do. We stopped for about 10 minutes for some photos. Nice quick stop though!
Great Work!
Visited Peggy's Cove a few weeks ago and visited this memorial. What a beautiful spot, and great work done by the artist! If you are driving by, definately worth stopping here!
Easy to see
Nice outdoor sculpture. Doesn't take long to see and read about it, then head up to the church for a quick view.
Beautiful carving
It takes just a few minutes to view this sculpture and its story. Well worth seeing and learning more about it for families and art enthusiasts alike.
Dommage
C'est dommage que l'oeuvre ne soit pas fini. C'est intéressant, mais sans plus. La galerie était fermé, nous n'avons pas eu la chance de connaître plus l'artiste. L'oeuvre est extérieur et gratuite.
Unusual carving
It took the artist 10 years to carve this artwork. There is a sign nearby detailing the figures, including the pet sea gull of William deGarthe's daughter.
Impressive!
We had read about this artist so it was thrilling to see this monument up close. It is beautifully done! Impressive!
What a find
The William E deGarth memorial Monument was a surprise for us. I had not heard of it until we just saw it on our walk out of the cove area. You will not see it if you are walking into the area. But it is right across the street from the Visitor Center. The artist depicts the history of the cove done in the piece of exposed granite right beside his own gallery. The artist has long since passed so I am told it was never finished, but you might be hard pressed to see that. It is worth the visit!
This memorial is amazing
This sculpture was carved into the rock by a local artist and is quite amazing. He worked on it until his death.
In tour bus driving by slowly - wish we could have stopped and looked closer at it
This sculpture in the rock wall was fascinating. I wish we could have stopped the bus there and taken a closer look at it. The history of Peggy's Cove is interesting - The Scove family landed there from Plymouth, England in 1746 after crashing on the rocks. Peggy Scove (the wife) was the sole survivor of the wreck. Fake news I think.
Amazing sculpture
Discovered this by chance after parking the car at Peggy's Cove. Amazing sculpture which captures the people and roles of this community.
A " must-see " monument while in Peggy's Cove!
This is a " Must-See " attraction in Peggy's Cove, The Fisherman's Monument. The artist and sculptor, William deGarthe, was born in Finland and has an interesting story about emigrating to Canada in 1926 and eventually living in Peggy's Cove because it reminded him of his homeland. To peak your interest, here are quotes from the information plaque in front of it: " In 1977, at the age of 70, deGarthe picked up his chisels and power tools and set out to, as he put it, 'release the figures sleeping in the rock for over 10 million years'. The figures he carved [out of granite] formed a monument to the hard-working fishermen of his adopted home - Peggy's Cove. " ... " over the next six years he would carve 30 figures in this granite outcrop " [with help from an apprentice and inspiration from the villagers.] " Sadly, deGarthe passed away in 1983 before he could complete this monument. What he left behind is a work of art that is as much a tribute to his considerable talent as it is to the community and people he dearly loved. "
Answers the question " what do you do with a 100 foot long granite outcropping? "
William E. deGarthe carved this monument to Nova Scotian fishermen in the yard behind his home and gallery. It depicts fishermen and their families. Every time we changed our angle of view, we saw something we had missed. Good signage explains what you are looking at.
A Testament to a People
The William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument is, in many respects, a hidden gem of Peggy's Cove. I say that because, more often than not, it tends to get overlooked in favour of boat tours and, of course, the famous lighthouse. And -- it has to be said -- that is a shame because this monument is both a beautiful artistic display and a powerful testament to the strength and will of a people. Carved by one man over many, many years (and ultimately unfinished), this beautiful memorial depicts 32 men, their wives and their children; the men were lost at sea, but their families endured, thus symbolizing the strength of the people of Nova Scotia.
Don't miss it
This is an amazing sculpture done by William de Garthe. He started it when he was 70 years old. This enormous piece of granite was in his yard so he used it to pay homage to fishermen, many of whom have been lost at sea over the years. It is about 100 feet in length and consists of 32 fishermen, their wives, their children, and the angel Elmo, the patron of fishermen. It takes about 7 minutes to walk from the lighthouse to this attraction. We were told that the artist died before finishing his work but you would never know it. It looks completed to me. His wife later donated it to the community.
Unexpected treasure at Peggy's Cove
This monument is the work of one man, William deGarthe, over 10 years. He went out one day and decided to carve the granite outcropping in his back yard as a monument to the people who go to sea. Carving granite is hard work but the result is spectacular.
Be sure to visit this fisherman's memorial when you are at Peggy's Cove
This wonderful granite bas-relief monument is a real work of art. It is a tribute to the many men and women who gave their lives in this area where fishing can be a dangerous occupation. It was a labor or love and includes Margaret, the namesake for Peggy's Cove. So don't leave after you see the lighthouse. Walk down the hill and you will just be in awe of this wonderful sculpture.
Interesting
This is a carving on a very large piece of rock in Peggy's Cove. There is a sign beside it to explain the symbolism of what is in the carving. If you are walking through the village it is worth stopping to look at and admire as a piece of art, but it is nothing spectacular - just an interesting piece of art work on a very large stone. I guess it is the scale of the work that makes it interesting. It is across the street from the visitor center and just down toward the harbour.
Artistic Gem
The monument and it's story are quite amazing. Based on the story of how Peggy's Cove got its name, the monument is full of detail and interesting characters. It is difficult to see when entering the village of Peggy's Cove since hidden away on side of hill. We walked to the Visitor Center and saw it across the street. The studio did not appear to be open and not sure anyone is currently living / working there. Would be nice if larger signage posted since many folks may have driven past without knowing it was there. Walking through the small village was quite lovely and peaceful - although no sidewalks or paths make it a little dangerous. Fascinating to find such a detailed sculpture in such a remote area.
Diminishing tribute to a local artist -sad
The deGarthe monument could easily be overlooked as it is carved into the side of a hill adjacent to Mr. deGarthe's home. Sad that his studio is probably no longer open since his wife passed away. It's the little building, now in disrepair, at the bottom of the hill. His wife was very proud of it after his passing. If memory serves me - the deGarthe home and gallery are the conjoined white buildings adjacent to the monument. The gallery looked closed up the day we were there. Don't know if it's closed for good or not. The gallery of his paintings was quite impressive when we visited one time on a previous trip. There was also a brochure that told the story of Mr. deGarthe and the monument. Sad that there was no one around to tell the story of the man, his works and his respect for the fishermen of the Cove - which resulted in the creation of the monument. The monument should be cleaned - it's not nearly as impressive in it's current state.
Unexpected stone carving talent in a fishing village
This stone carving - more like a frieze - is at the entrance to Peggy's Cove and done on a large piece of granite boulder on the owner's property. Look for a white clapboard house on the right of the road just as the road turns into Peggy's Cove; I think there was a mailbox with the de Garthe name on it. The granite stone is not gated off and is open for anyone to walk up to and take a long look / take photos. There are several scenes each depicting different aspects of a fisherman's life with one of Peggy for whom the Cove is named after. I enjoyed hearing the story about how de Garthe had this urge to carve something out of the stone whenever he looked at it and how he trained, then, to be a stone carver. This carving was an unexpected find in a fisherman's village, but fits in nicely with the other crafts the townspeople display. The granite stone with its carvings is definitely more noticeable as one heads back out to the highway from the lighthouse parking lot.
So much detail
This monument is carved out of a granite rock and is over 100 ft long. There are carvings of 32 fishermen with their wives and children as well as " Peggy " of the cove but sadly it is unfinished. We asked at the Tourist Information where to find this as it is easily missed. You only spot in on your way out of Peggy's Cove! Well worth looking at though.
Amazing work
The gallery was closed the day we were there, but we stopped and marvelled at the monument - incredible skill in carving on the side of the hill. Very impressive.
Simply amazing, but easily missed
The monument is hand carved into a 100' length of granite and is located at the Gallery opposite the visitor centre. Park at the visitor centre and take the short walk across the street to the gallery. Mr deGarthe emigrated to Canada from Finland and was a renowned artist and sculpture, who settled in Peggy's Cove. In 1977, at 70 years of age, he commenced hand carving a monument to the fishermen of Peggys Cove, in a granite outcrop at the back of his home. He completed the monument in 3 distinct sections and work on it for 6 years until in death in 1983. Display boards provide a good explanation of the content.
Très beau
Cet artiste a du talent. Vraiment une belle murale. C'est ma deuxième visite et je suis toujours aussi impressionnée.
A Great Commemerative Monument to the Cove's Fishermen
While visiting Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Shops and Village we stopped by to see William E. DeGarthe's monument to the fishermen of Peggy's Cove, from the time he live there. The Artists work is awesome and so interesting, hard to believe it took 7yrs to finish.
An very interesting view
We drove pass the beautiful carving & it was a view I'll never forget Just Beautiful! Seeing is believing
This is worth the Time to visit
He was an excellent artist and the carving in the Granite Rock is breathtaking. His art is unique and tells the story of the hard life of the those who made a living on the Sea.
Must see while visiting Peggy's Cove!
Just a short stroll through the village to visit this beautiful monument. The skill involved to carve this is amazing!