(1896-1961)

Between 1959 and 1961, Orval Wardrop created a collection of mostly miniature working pliers and scissors - all carved from wood. The 67 pieces in the collection range in size from 3/4 of an inch to a multi-functional 12 1/2 inch carved tool. All are beautifully crafted and carved with careful attention to detail. While other tramp and hobo art carvers made wooden chains and balls in cages, Wardrop concentrated on using a single piece of wood to carve tiny working pliers and scissors. It is an amazing little collection, brought to Kohler Foundation by the artist’s daughter when the family decided they wanted to see it properly cared for. It was acquired by Kohler Foundation and was gifted to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in 2010.