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DARTMOOR MEMORIAL AVENUE AND CARVINGS

Other Name MEMORIAL AVENUE OF HONOUR & CARVINGS Location GREENHAM STREET, DARTMOOR, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] Carving of Soldier, Dartmoor

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Dartmoor Memorial Avenue of Honour and carvings is a number of Cedrus atlantica (Atlantic cedar) trees, both living and dead. The dead trees have been carved into sculptures which relate to war, in celebration of those who served in the First World War. The trees were planted immediately after the end of the First World War, in September 1918. Since about 1993, nine of the trees have been turned into carvings. The carvings are titled 'Sad News', 'The Nurse', 'The Boy at War', 'At Arms', 'Three Services', 'Over the Top', 'Rest In Peace', 'Parting' and 'The Game'. The sculptures were undertaken by Kevin Gilder, a chainsaw sculptor. The carvings are in very good condition, and the remaining trees are in good condition. Overall, as an avenue, the integrity is fair, but the integrity of the carvings is excellent.

How is it Significant?
The Dartmoor Memorial Avenue of Honour and Carvings are of historic, social and aesthetic significance to Glenelg Shire.

Why is it Significant?
The Dartmoor Memorial Avenue and carvings are historically significant for the commemorative association with servicemen and women who served in the First World War. Planted in 1918 as a memorial to those who served between 1914 -1918, the avenue provides an important historical focus for the township of Dartmoor. The use of Cedrus altantica as the planting is somewhat unusual for a memorial avenue. The Avenue and carvings are socially important for their relationship with the community as a living memorial. The carvings are of aesthetic significance as they arrest the eye and contrast with the small town streetscape of Dartmoor. The Avenue was planted as a living memorial and is recognised by the Returned Services League and the community for its continuing commemorative importance.