The Whittler's Carvings in Hartwick

Richard "The Whittler" & Melba Bordwell

Finding carvings from The Whittler are getting more and more difficult as the years pass.  However there is one place you can still see one of his pieces and that is the in the tiny town of Hartwick Iowa.  In Hartwick they still have an even tinier local bank and inside the bank on the wall is a deer relief carving by Richard Bordwell.

All I could get is a picture.  My sister has contacted them many times trying to get them to sell it but they refuse.  I believe they acquired it as payment from Richard when he didn't have the money to pay a loan payment.  I don't believe this was the only time this occurred because I think there is also a cougar relief carving in one of the bank offices which isn't displayed in the lobby.  But I have never confirmed this.

The deer is in the unique style that he and Mike often did which made it look like an animal hide stretched across several boards.  It was however all carved from one piece of wood.  Then the carving was painted with oils which means not only were these men talented wood carvers but classic media artist as well.  It seems the edges of the "hide" were torched to give it that realistic look.

I also acquired this picture of a carving done by Richard.  The horse looking through the barn became a common carving for both Richard and Mike over the years.  It was also created from one piece and then painted.  Notice the entire barn interior was designed and carved into the background as well as the worn hinge and latches on the barn door.