The Odyssey of the Leclerc Boats: When Saint-Jean-Port-Joli set sail for the world

In the collective imagination of Quebec, there is an image inextricably linked to our region: that of a small wooden schooner, sails unfurled, proudly perched on a chimney mantelpiece. These motionless vessels, which have nonetheless sailed around the world, are the legacy of a visionary family: the Leclercs.

The story truly begins in the 1930s with Eugène Leclerc. A former sailor forced to leave seafaring for health reasons, he refused to be defeated. He transformed his maritime expertise into an art form, and his art into a business. What began as a means of subsistence became a cultural phenomenon. In his workshop in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, with the help of his family, he created a veritable fleet.

A cultural industry before its time

What's so fascinating about the Leclerc Boats saga is the economic and media impact they had on our village. Long before the internet and social media era, these artisans achieved a remarkable feat: exporting local culture internationally. American and European tourists would stop here, captivated by the meticulous craftsmanship, and leave with a piece of our heritage in their suitcases.

The Leclercs, like the Bourgaults at the same time, weren't just talented sculptors; they were pioneers. They proved that it was possible to make a decent living from one's art in the region, transforming Saint-Jean-Port-Joli into a must-see "village of arts and crafts." They created an ecosystem where creativity became a real economic driver.

From Eugène's workshop to Workshop A: The tradition continues

Today, as we work in the heart of Atelier A, at 254 Avenue de Gaspé West, we feel the weight and pride of this legacy. Le Socle was born from this same desire for excellence and autonomy for local creators. We have immense respect for these pioneers who paved the way. Without them, we likely wouldn't be here.

However, the world of crafts and art has changed. Competition is global, algorithms dictate visibility, and managing a creative business requires specialized skills that go beyond simply using tools. This is where Le Socle comes in.

Our mission is to carry on this entrepreneurial spirit, but adapt it to the realities of the 21st century. Where Eugène Leclerc used word-of-mouth and passing tourism, we arm our artists and artisans with digital strategies, structured financing (like our private investment fund) and high-level mentorship.

Boosting Quebec creativity

We no longer produce the same objects, but we cultivate the same dreams of success. By welcoming residents and propelling our cohorts of accelerators, Le Socle aims to ensure that Saint-Jean-Port-Joli remains a creative beacon for decades to come.

We want the creators of tomorrow, whether in visual arts, crafts, or design, to be able to say, like the Leclercs before them: “I make a living from my art, here in Quebec, and I export it all over the world.”

Tradition is our foundation. Innovation is our guiding principle.