A magnificent new statue honoring Sant Pêr, the patron saint of fishermen, has been unveiled at the Valley of the Saints in Côtes-d'Armor, France. The 15-foot granite monument was commissioned by the Dalmard family and sculpted by renowned artists Kito and Kévin Antoine. The inauguration ceremony featured traditional Breton bagpipe music, highlighting the deep cultural significance of this latest addition to the famous sculpture park.

The imposing statue stands 4.5 meters tall and was expertly carved from granite sourced from Lanhélin by master sculptor Kito Antoine and his son Kévin. Strategically positioned to face toward Paimpol in Côtes-d'Armor, the statue pays homage to the ancestral home of the Dalmard family. The family's maritime heritage dates back to 1922 when ancestor Armand Le Guen established a textile company in the historic port city known as the "city of the Icelanders." This enterprise eventually evolved into Dalmard Marine, which is now led by Maxime Dalmard, representing the fourth generation of family leadership.

Following the blessing of the Sant Pêr statue (Saint Peter in Breton) by Father Henri, Maxime Dalmard delivered a heartfelt speech explaining the profound significance of this artistic tribute. He described how "this work honors the maritime world and the Breton roots of the Dalmard family and Dalmard Marine company, echoing the history of Paimpol, the family's home port, and the memory of Iceland fishermen who, since the 19th century, departed to face the North Sea for long months." The statue represents not just artistic achievement but a living connection to generations of seafaring tradition.

The Dalmard family's maritime legacy continues to influence their modern business operations. As Maxime Dalmard explained, "The Dalmard family has counted, for several generations, and still today, numerous sailors, notably deep-sea mariners, whose experience of the sea forges a culture of commitment, tenacity, and solidarity. This deeply lived maritime heritage continues to inspire Dalmard Marine, anchored for more than a century in Paimpol's heritage." The patron concluded his remarks by noting that "this statue of Saint Peter, who wears the caban, the iconic sailor's coat and symbol of Dalmard Marine's expertise, is dedicated to all those who have made their lives at sea and always carry a piece of Brittany in their hearts."

During the ceremony, sculptor Kito Antoine shared insights into his artistic vision and creative process for representing the patron saint of fishermen. This marks the fifth collaborative project between Kito and his son Kévin, strengthening their father-son artistic partnership. The sculptor chose to depict the apostle Peter "as a sailor, with his hands in his pockets and a large key around his neck." With characteristic humor, Kito dressed the saint in a traditional caban coat, playfully remarking, "because I am convinced that even then, Dalmard Marine was already clothing Saint Peter!"

The partnership between Dalmard Marine and the Valley of the Saints has been strong since 2018. The company previously participated in "The Crossing of the Giants" operation, which brought the 100th giant statue, Saint Piran, from British Cornwall to Brittany. In a remarkable coincidence, the statues of Saint Peter and Saint Piran now stand just meters apart from each other, creating a meaningful cultural bridge between maritime traditions.

Jean-Paul Plégades, administrator of the Valley of the Saints, provided historical context about the site before inviting Kito to speak about his sculptural inspirations. The artist expressed his joy at sharing this fifth project with his son Kévin, emphasizing the importance of passing down traditional craftsmanship through generations. The detailed granite work demonstrates the exceptional skill required to transform raw stone into expressive religious art.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with a moving musical performance that celebrated Breton cultural heritage. A vocal trio consisting of Maxime Dalmard, his brother Julien, and sister-in-law Solenn delivered a magnificent interpretation of "Mond davedoch," the Breton version of "Amazing Grace." Their harmonious voices echoed across the valley, creating an atmosphere of reverence and cultural pride that perfectly complemented the unveiling of the new statue.

The Valley of the Saints continues to expand its collection of monumental granite sculptures, each telling unique stories of Breton heritage and Celtic spirituality. This latest addition strengthens the site's reputation as a premier destination for cultural tourism and artistic appreciation. The Sant Pêr statue joins over 100 other giant sculptures that collectively represent one of Europe's most ambitious contemporary art projects celebrating regional identity and religious tradition.