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  • 2024.02.08
1644Wildlife in wood
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Published : Chillicothe, Ill. : Model Technology. Inscribed by the author "To Wendell Gilley, with best wishes to one of the pioneers in this field. We have all benefited from your efforts."
  • 2024.02.09
1643How to make working decoys
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Published: New York : Winchester Press. Page 69 is signed by Frank C. Wilson, a Massachusetts decoy carver who is featured in the book. Wilson's work was for sale in the Wendell Gilley Museum shop.
  • 2023.09.24
1638Game bird carving
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Published: New York : Winchester Press. Inscription to Wendell Gilley by the author on half title page.
  • 2023.08.15
1635Beyond the spring : Cordelia Stanwood of Birdsacre.
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
  • People
Description:
Published: Lamoine, Maine : Latona Press, 1978. Inscription to Wendell Gilley by the author on half title page.
  • 81.1.102
1107Ruffed Grouse, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, 2/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 2/3 life-size; adult pair on driftwood base, male standing on right, tail partially spread, head turned left, female on lower left, nested on wood, left toes protruding, tail folded, neck down, head turned slightly left; both with glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on center of base. Marked "Grouse, made for Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.151
1145Long-eared Owl, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; pair on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base with painted metal glass in foreground, upper owl has wings up, head turned left facing front of piece, ear tufts erect, tail fanned out, legs reaching down as if alighting, lower owl perched, wings closed, ear tufts erect; both with glass eyes, metal toenails, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed"Gilley '75" on lower left of driftwood. Marked "Long-eared Owls by Wendell Gilley" on underside of base. [show more]
  • 20.01.113
1363Herring Gull
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of carved wooden base marked: "Herring Gull by W. H. Gilley 1978"
  • 96.2.7
1301Bald Eagle
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult bald eagle, approximately one-sixth life-size, sitting upright on small driftwood knot ; lead feet with talons realistically gripping the base ; undercut wing tips crossed over carved tail ; Signed "Gilley" on left side of driftwood base; marked "Hilda, Hulda Bragdon, Xmas 1973" on underside of base
  • 81.1.90
1097Red-shouldered Hawk
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/2 life size; mounted on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, perched in hunting posture; glass eyes, metal feet, carved burned and painted detail. Marked, dated and signed "Red-shouldered Hawk, carved 1975, painted 1978, by W.H Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.112
1117Willet
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, standing, right foot forward, beak agape, wings outspread, tail erect; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on base. Marked "Made for Addie Gilley, 1974, by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.167
1491Osprey with Mackerel
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; osprey on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, wings upraised, head down, beak open; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Marked "made for Addie Gilley, driftwood gift of Mrs. David Rockefeller, Osprey by Wendell Gilley, 1971" on underside of base. Separate companion Mackerel: glass eyes, carved and painted detail.
  • 81.1.153
1147Marbled Godwit, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Near life size; on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, bird on right standing erect, head turned to right, left leg raised, left bird bending over, right leg raised; both birds with glass eyes, metal legs and feet. Signed "Gilley '75" on left of base. Marked "Property of Addie Gilley, Marbled Godwit 1975, by W.H. Gilley" on underside.
  • 81.1.88
1095Robin, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; perched on green, oblong, wooden mound base, erect posture, facing forward; glass eyes, wire feet and legs, painted and burned detail. Marked, dated and signed "Robin, made for Addie Gilley, 1978, by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 20.01.120
1371Chickadee
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Black-capped chickadee head down on branch. Artist's stamp on underside of carved oblong base
  • 89.3.18
1448Semipalmated Plover
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult on small driftwood base ; body appears to be "bobbing" downward ; tail swept up, wing tips folded over ; glass eyes, wire legs and metal feet ; body covered overall with finely incised lines. Signed, dated and marked "Semipalmated Plover (Lifesize) by W.H. Gilley, 1975" on underside of base.
  • 89.3.20
1503Spotted sandpiper
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult standing on weathered driftwood base, right leg retracted, neck slightly outstretched, head erect and looking ahead, bill curved slightly downward ; glass eyes, wire legs and metal feet. Signed on top of base near left foot: "Gilley" in felt tip pen ; also on underside, "Spotted Sandpiper by W.H. Gilley, 1979"
  • 81.1.150
1144Ring-necked Pheasant
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
3/4 to life size; adult male standing, head turned slightly to left on burl base, tail raised; painted eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed and marked "Ring-necked Pheasant for Addie Gilley by W.H. Gilley, 1976" on underside of base .
  • 20.01.136
1470Pileated Woodpecker
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base marked "Made especially for Francis W. Rawle" and signed "by W.H. Gilley".
  • 81.1.109
1114Green Heron
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/2 life size; adult on driftwood base, standing, neck down, beak horizontal, facing forward; glass eyes, metal legs, carved and burned detail. Signed "Gilley" on base.
  • 81.1.145
1139Yellowlegs
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, standing with right foot forward, head turned slightly to left; glass eyes, metal legs, carved and painted details. Stamped "Gilley" on body between legs. Signed "Gilley" on base, marked "Yellowlegs by W.H. Gilley, made for Addie Gilley, Aug 1972" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.113
1118Double-crested Cormorant
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; adult on driftwood base, standing upright, mouth agape, head turned to left, crests erect; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley 74" on base. Marked "made for Addie Gilley, 1974, Double Crested Cormorant by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 99.3.1
1358Woodcock
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Inscribed "Made for Byron and Maureen Cheever" on underside of base ; signed "Gilley '72" on top of base.
  • 81.1.116
1121Wood Duck, Male
  • Carving, Decoy, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; swimming, flat bottom adult, head turned to left, crest down; glass eyes, burned and painted detail. Marked "Wood Duck made for Addie Gilley, Christmas 1970, by W.H. Gilley."
  • 20.01.139
1473Great Hornbill
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Carved at the request of Addie Gilley, who was inspired by an illustration in a book about birds of the world. Signed "Gilley" on bottom of driftwood branch. Underside of base marked "Native of India, Sumatra, Indo China".
  • 81.1.146
1140Atlantic Puffin
  • Carving, Pair, 3/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 3/4 life size; pair on driftwood base, bird on left standing erect, head turned to right and raised, looking upward, bird on right squatting, neck down, facing forward; both with glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '72" on base.
  • 81.1.26 (81.1.27 on piece)
1025Bluebird
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; horizontal stand, perched with one foot in crotch of twig, one up on branch, twig mounted in oblong mound, carved wooden base. Signed "Gilley '76" on lower right of base, underside marked: "Bluebird by Wendell Gilley, 1976, 7."
  • 81.1.64
1072Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult male and female perched on twig, facing opposite directions, attached to shaped fiber board base, male higher on twig, distinguished by orange in crown, female below; both with glass eyes, wire feet and legs, painted plumage detail, base brown with green. Signed "Gilley" on right of base. Marked and dated "Golden Crowned Kinglets, Addie Gilley, 1972" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.118
1123Belted Kingfisher, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood attached to carved oblong base, perched upright, head turned slightly left; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Marked, dated, signed "Kingfisher, made for Addie Gilley, 1973, by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.84
1091Long-tailed Duck, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; swimming; flat bottom, tail up, head turned slightly left; glass eyes, carved and painted detail. Signed, dated and marked: "Oldsquaw (male) 1970, made for Addie Gilley by W.H. Gilley" on underside. Companion piece no. 81.1.85
  • 81.1.94
1101Loon with Two Chicks
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, Decoy
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; three part composition: one swimming, flat-bottomed adult, two swimming, flat-bottomed chicks; adult's head turned slightly to left, with glass eyes and painted detail; chick a's head is erect, chick b's head is down, both have burned detail. Adult marked, dated, signed "Loon, made for Addie Gilley by W.H. Gilley, 1973" on underside. Chicks unmarked.
  • 81.1.74
1082Cormorant
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/5 life size; mounted on driftwood base, standing on toes, wings outstretched; glass eyes, lead feet, painted and carved detailed. Signed "Gilley" on front of base. Marked "Made for Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.123
1128Clapper Rail
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on burnt driftwood base, attached to base by left foot, standing, right leg slightly raised, hood turned slightly left; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '76" on left of base, marked "Gilley, Clapper Rail" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.91
1098Screech Owl (Gray Phase)
  • Carving, 3/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
3/4 Life size; perched on driftwood piece attached to carved wooden base, head turned right, two toes of left foot exposed, three toes of right foot exposed, ear tufts laid back; glass eyes, metal toe nails, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '75" on left of base, marked "Screech Owl 3/4 life size, 1975, by W.H. Gilley, property of Addie Gilley" on underside of base. Gray phase.
  • 81.1.121
1126Brown Pelican
  • Carving, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; adult on shaped wooden "pier" attached to round, flat wooden base, standing, head raised, two fish hanging out of bill; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on front of base, stamped "Wendell H. Gilley, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679" on underside of base. Marked "Addie Gilley, xmas 1975."
  • 81.1.122
1127Brown Pelican
  • Carving, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; adult on shaped wooden "pier" attached to circular, flat wooden base, standing, facing forward, head and beak vertical; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "by Wendell Gilley," marked "Addie Gilley, Xmas 1975" on underside of base. Companion piece no. 81.1.21.
  • 81.1.21
1018Great Gray Owl
  • Carving, 1/10 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
1/10 life size; perched on driftwood piece attached to carved wooden base, owl's head turned over left shoulder; glass eyes, painted detail. Signed "Gilley," on top of stamp, marked "Addie Gilley," on underside of base.
  • 20.01.127
1460Snowy Owl, Male
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Owl looking over left shoulder, glass eyes, wire toes. Signed "Gilley" on rear of driftwood base. Underside of base stamped Wendell H. Gilley.
  • 81.1.70
1078Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult perched on driftwood piece set into shaped wooden base, body in profile with head turned over right shoulder to "front" of piece; glass eyes, wire toes, four first toes protruding, painted plumage detail. Signed "Gilley '75" on right front of base. Marked and dated "Addie Gilley, Saw-whet owl by W.H. Gilley, 1975" on underside of base, which also has artist stamp. Artist considered this his best saw-whet owl. [show more]
  • 81.1.81
1088American Goldeneye, Female
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Miniature; swimming duck, neck down; painted detail. Unsigned. Companion to 81.1.79.
  • 81.1.79
1087American Goldeneye, Male
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; swimming drake, head turned slightly right; painted detail. Signed and dated "Gilley '72" on underside.
  • 81.1.83
1090Wild Turkey, Male
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/5 life size; mounted on driftwood base, walking pose, left leg forward, attached by middle toe, right leg behind, attached by left toe; glass eyes, wire feet, carved and painted detail. Signed and dated "Gilley '74" on right side of base, marked "Wild Turkey by W.H. Gilley, 1974, Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.76
1084Black Duck, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; pair mounted on driftwood base, lower duck has head turned around right shoulder, upper duck's head turned slightly left, neck withdrawn; both with glass eyes, painted detail, lead feet. Signed, dated, marked "Black duck for Addie Gilley by W.H. Gilley, 1974" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.82
1089Wild Turkey
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/5 life size; mounted on driftwood base, standing erect on right foot, left foot raised; glass eyes, bristle "beard", metal legs and feet, painted and carved detail. Signed on base, underside of base dated 1974, marked "Addie, Wild Turkey."
  • 81.1.18
1015Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, 3/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
3/4 life size; outstretched wings, alighting on driftwood limb mounted on carved oblong base, Phillips head screw in base, toes 3:1; glass eyes, carved and painted plumage detail. Signed: "Gilley '72" on lower right side of base. Underside marked: "Addie Gilley, xmas 1972."
  • 81.1.110
1115Canada Geese
  • Carving, Pair, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; adults on driftwood base; gander on left has head turned slightly left, neck erect; goose on lower right bent left with neck down; both with glass eyes, metal legs; carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left of base, marked "Addie Gilley, Canada Geese, 1971 by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.161
1155Bobwhite
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Almost life size; three flying adults attached by wires from male's (center bird) feet to driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base; base has metal grass, two additional pieces of driftwood, touches of green paint. Birds attached to each other with wire, upper female attached to male by hole beneath tail, lower female attached to male by wire from left wing, all birds with glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on side of driftwood stump. Marked "Bob White by W.H. Gilley, 1974" on underside of base. [show more]
  • 81.1.22
1009Bluebird
  • Carving
  • Birds
Description:
Life size adult ; perched on twig, mounted on carved oblong base; glass eyes, metal legs and feet, upright posture, head turned slightly to left. Signed “Gilley ’76” on rear end of base. Some blue paint on base; underside marked “11;” Phillips head screw attaching base to twig.
  • 81.1.54
1065White-throated Sparrow
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; mounted on driftwood base, head and tail erect; glass eyes, wire legs, painted detail. Signed, dated and marked "White-throated Sparrow by W.H. Gilley, 1974 for Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 89.3.14
1467Red-winged Blackbird
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male perched on branching twig on carved pine base ; wire legs and metal feet with talons grasping the branch ; glass eyes. Entire body covered with fine incised lines, deeper where suggesting primaries and tail feathers. Underside of base marked "Red-winged blackbird by W. H. Gilley 1977".
  • 81.1.63
1071Black-capped Chickadee
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Life size; clinging to twig in characteristic upside-down position, twig screwed to shaped wooden base; pinhead eyes, wire legs and feet, detail in color and relief; Signed "Gilley '73." Marked "Chickadee for Addie Gilley, 1973" on underside.
  • 89.3.16
1290Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male, approximately life size, sitting on twig, head slightly cocked and turned left ; no visible legs, cut metal talons ; glass eyes. Signed in felt tip pen "by W. H. Gilley" and dated 1976 on underside of base; also faintly signed on top lower right of base
  • 81.1.111
1116Black Duck
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; adult on driftwood base, head turned over left shoulder, preening left wing; glass eyes, metal legs, carved and painted detail. Underside of base marked "Addie Gilley" faded stamp: Wendell H. Gilley, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679."
  • 81.1.99
1105Evening Grosbeak, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size male; mounted on driftwood branch attached to carved oblong wooden base, body tilted downward; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Unsigned. Marked "Addie Gilley, 1978" on underside.
  • 89.3.13
1322Evening Grosbeak, Male
  • Carving, 3/4 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male on gnarled driftwood root; glass eyes, wire legs and cut metal feet. Signed "Gilley '78" on oblong pine base ; underside of base marked "Evening Grosbeak #33"
  • 81.1.68
1076Woodcock
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, semi upright, beak pointed downward; glass eyes, painted detail, wire legs and feet. Unsigned, undated.
  • 81.1.158
1152Osprey
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Almost life size; adult on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, wings raised, tail spread, head down, beak open, tongue exposed; glass eyes, metal toenails, extensive carved, burned and painted detail. Faded signature: "Gilley" on left of base. Marked "Osprey (near life size) by Wendell H. Gilley, SW Harbor, Maine, 1973, property of Addie B. Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.59
1067Red-breasted Merganser, Male
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; "swimming" duck, head turned forward and to right; glass eyes, adult plumage, painted detail. Signed "Gilley" and marked "Addie Gilley, Red-breasted Merganser (male)" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.96
1103Common Loon
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Mounted on driftwood base; standing, wings down, head lowered and cocked to right in "quizzical" expression; glass eyes, metal feet, painted and carved detail. Signed on base "Gillley". Underside of base marked: "This is one of a limited edition of only two of this model made, W.G. Common "Loon" by W.H. Gilley, 1973, property of Addie Gilley."
1631Woodcraft catalog
  • Publication, Catalog
  • People
Description:
Cover and page 16 of Woodcraft catalog 73-74 showing Wendell Gilley in his workshop
1630Downeast Bird Carvings by Wendell Gilley exhibit opening invitation
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Events
Description:
Invitation to a black tie dinner celebrating the opening of the exhibit Downeast Bird Carvings by Wendell Gilley at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, Pa. On the back page is a handwritten note from Barbara Tyson to Wendell.
  • 2022.02.01
1601Waterfowl of North America
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
Description:
Number 102 of 1000 book edition. Contains 42 plates. Published by Frame House Printing. Also included with this book dontion are seven holiday cards created by Zimmerman and sent by him to the donor's parents.
  • 22.03.02
1603Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Saw-whet owl looking to the side, perched on driftwood branch attached to carved wooden base by single screw. Underside of base inscribed Saw-whet Owl 1/2 life size made for Mary Holmes 1973. Signed "Gilley" on lower part of driftwood branch.
  • 22.03.03
1604Great Blue Heron
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Great blue heron standing on driftwood branch. Metal legs and feet. Branch signed "Gilley '73" near feet. Underside inscribed "Gt. Blue Heron", "Addie Gilley",
  • 22.04.11
1616Fåglar i naturen
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
Description:
Published in Stockholm by Wahlstrom & Widstrand. In Swedish. Flyleaf inscribed " To my friend Wendell Gilley, Scott".
1590David and Nelson Rockefeller
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
David and Nelson Rockefeller holding the bald eagle David commissioned from Wendell Gilley as a gift for Nelson.
1003Wendell Holmes Gilley
  • Image, Photograph
  • People
Description:
Gilley smokes a pipe while carving an Osprey in his Southwest Harbor, Maine workshop
  • 84.1.2
1289Yellowlegs
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, standing with right foot raised. Underside of base marked "Yellowlegs 1972"
  • 81.1.149
1143Long Billed Curlew
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, squatting, tail up, neck arched back; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail, beak made from naturally curved piece of ash. Bird was originally made standing erect, then changed - two holes where old legs were placed behind present pair. Unsigned.
  • 81.1.164
1158Barn Owl
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult perched sidelong on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, toes three front one back, head turned to right shoulder; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '76" on base. Marked "Barn Owl made for Addie Gilley, 1976, by Wendell Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.30
1028Woodcock Pair with Two Chicks
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, Miniatures
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature group on natural wooden base: male upright, wings hanging down, wire legs, painted feet; female nestled on wood, chicks between parent birds. Great degree of painted detail depicting adult and immature plumage. Signed "Gilley" on right side of base, underside marked: "Addie Gilley, Gilley."
  • 81.1.147
1141Wood Duck, Group
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size group of five; two males, three females on partially burned driftwood base, males on right, far right male preening breast feathers, females on left, far left female preening left shoulder; all with glass eyes, metal feet, carved and painted details. Unsigned.
  • 81.1.19
1016Herring Gull, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
1/4 life size; folded wings, perched on natural base; glass eyes, painted, semi-detailed plumage markings. Signed: "Gilley '73" on right side of base.
  • 81.1.138
1134Common Tern, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size pair; adults on burned driftwood attached to oblong carved wooden base, left bird higher, standing, wings up, beak agape, right bird standing, wings closed, beak closed; both birds with glass eyes, metal feet. Signed "Gilley" on left of base. Marked "Common Tern, Addie Gilley, 1976" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.139
1135Rudy Turnstone, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; male and female on oblong, sand covered wooden base with two attached driftwood pieces, male standing on burned driftwood, head turned over left shoulder, facing front of composition, female on lower right, attached to oblong base, head to ground, tail up; both have glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Unsigned. Marked "Property of Addie Gilley, Ruddy Turnstone, 1975" on underside of base.
  • 81.7.1
1469Belted Kingfishers, Pair
  • Carving, Pair
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base marked "Belted Kingfishers by Wendell Gilley 1977. Also stamped "W.H. Gilley"
  • 81.1.143
1138Bobwhite Quail, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult male and female , male perched on carved ax set in stump, female perched on stump; glass eyes, metal feet, realistic carved and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '72" on top back of ax handle.
  • 81.1.75
1083Ring-necked Pheasant, Male
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; perched on driftwood base, stands erect, tail horizontal; glass eyes, painted detail, wire legs and feet. Smeared signature on right side of base, "Gilley." Marked and dated "Ring-necked Pheasant by W. Gilley, 1973, Addie" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.148
1142Screech Owl
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size adult, gray phase, alighting on driftwood perch attached to oblong, carved wooden base, wings outstretched; glass eyes, metal toenails, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed and marked "Screech Owl made for Addie Gilley, 1978, by Wendell Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.144
1186Sparrowhawk or Kestrel
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size adult male on driftwood piece mounted on oblong carved wooden base ; head turned over left shoulder, glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail, signed, dated on base "Gilley '77." Underside of base marked "Sparrow Hawk or Kestrel, Made for Addie Gilley, Wendell Gilley, 1977." Yellow paint on glass eyes, two screw heads visible on underside of base.
  • 81.1.31
1029Pileated Woodpecker
  • Carving, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
1/4 life size; perched on driftwood mounted on carved wooden base, toes inaccurate: three front one rear instead of two and two; glass eyes, painted wired feet, painted detail. Signed lower right of natural wood: "Gilley." Underside of base marked: "Addie Gilley, Pileated Woodpecker, 1970, W.H. Gilley."
1542Wendell Gilley with life-size wild turkey carving
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
On reverse side of photograph: "Taken by W. L. Brown Summer of 1973"
1540Wendell Gilley with Great Horned Owl
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley standing next to a life size great horned owl carving. Also shown are carvings of a Canada goose, woodcock, and an unpainted pair of cormorants.
1210Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Thomas C. Schuller
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
Description:
This letter asks Gilley to repair one of a pair of herons that was damaged in a move.
  • 81.1.85
1092Long-tailed Duck, Female
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Life size; swimming, flat bottom; glass eyes, primer coat of paint only. Unsigned. Companion piece no. 81.1.84.
  • 81.1.137
1133Bald Eagle Plaque
  • Carving
  • Birds
Description:
Decorative eagle looking upwards, wings out stretched horizontally, left talon in relief clutching shield, back has two screws and a hinge attaching banner to wing, screw eye for hanging at top and lower right. Painted in red, white and blue, with flag pole and banner reading "Dum Vivimus Viviamus." After the style of carver John Hailey Bellamy (1836-1914). Marked "Addie Gilley," stamped "Wendell H. Gilley, Southwest Harbor, Maine." [show more]
1579Bar Harbor Times article, October 21, 1976
  • Newspaper Clipping
  • Events, Exhibitions
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley exhibits forty carvings plus carvings-in-progress at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences in the show "Down East Bird Carvings."
1575Bar Harbor Times article, April 8, 1971
  • Newspaper Clipping
  • People
Description:
This article, titled "Capt. Black: Artist and Surgeon", describes Wendell Gilley's influence on sculptor Paul Black. It also mentions Gilley's Canada goose carved for Harry S. Truman.
1242Philadelphia Inquirer article, Oct. 19, 1976
  • Newspaper Clipping
  • Events, Exhibitions
  • People
Description:
Article from the Philadelphia Inquirer's society column by Ruth Seltzer describing the preparations for the exhibit Downeast Bird Carvings by Wendell Gilley. The exhibit was held at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. The photograph accompanying the article shows Barbara Tyson, a trustee of the Academy, helping unpack the carved birds.
1546Wood Duck, Group
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size group of four; two males, two females on driftwood branch mounted on smooth oblong wooden base. Underside of base inscribed "Wood Ducks by Wendell Gilley 1976".
1555University of Maine at Orono Class of 1925 Golden Anniversary Certificate
  • Document, Certificate
  • Organizations, School Institution
  • People
Description:
Certificate marking Wendell Gilley's fifty years as an alumnus of the University of Maine
  • 81.1.107
1112Green Heron
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life-size; Adult bird on driftwood base, standing hunched over as if fishing; Glass eyes, metal legs, painted, carved, burned details. Signed "Gilley '76" on underside of base. Marked "Green Heron by Wendell Gilley, 1976."
  • 81.1.65
1073Killdeer
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, body horizontal, head erect, facing forward, right foot raised with only middle toe touching base; glass eyes, carved, burned and painted feather detail, wire legs and feet. Signed "Gilley" on right of base. Marked and dates "Killdeer, Addie Gilley, 1975" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.62
1070Black-capped Chickadee
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; perched sideways on twig, mounted on carved wooden base, beak open; glass eyes, wire legs and feet. Signed "Gilley" on right front of base as well as underside of base. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.69
1077Woodcock
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult nestled on natural wood base, head pulled down, beak pointing downward, toes protruding; glass eyes, wire toes, painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on base. Marked and dated "Woodcock, 1971, Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
1550Carving of Great Blue Heron with Trout in Wendell H. Gilley's Workshop
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Great blue heron with trout shown on table in Gilley's workshop along with other smaller carvings
1548Wendell H. Gilley's workbench
  • Image, Photograph
  • Object, Furnishings, Table, Workbench
  • People
Description:
Photograph of Wendell Gilley's workbench in his Southwest Harbor workshop
1547Wendell H. Gilley in his workshop
  • Image, Photograph
  • People
Description:
Polaroid photograph of Wendell Gilley standing in his workshop. In front of him is a table holding a saw. Behind him to his right is a carving of a Canada goose.
  • 96.2.3
1458Brown pelican
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male in breeding plumage depicted on a wooden piling attached to egg-shaped pine base ; cast lead legs and feet, glass eyes ; signed "Gilley '75" on front of base. Underside of base marked: "Hilda and Hulda Bragdon, 1975" and signed "by Wendell Gilley"
  • 81.1.166
1160Wild Turkey
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on burl base, standing on right leg, left leg raised, slips into and out of base on bolt ; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed on belly, Wild Turkey by Wendell Gilley, 1972. Marked "by W.H. Gilley, made for Addie Gilley, 1972" on side of base.
1238Down East Bird Carving Exhibit Announcement
  • Document, Advertising
  • Carvings
  • Events, Exhibitions
  • People
Description:
Page from an unknown publication announcing Gilley's exhibit of bird carvings at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
1237Bird Carvings by Wendell Gilley Exhibit Sign
  • Image, Photograph
  • Carvings
  • Events, Exhibitions
  • People
Description:
Sign at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia for Wendell Gilley's Downeast Bird Carvings exhibit, October 29, 1976 through January 9, 1977.
1240Letter from Robert M. Peck to Wendell Gilley, March 1, 1977
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Events, Exhibitions
Description:
Letter congratulating Gilley on the success of the exhibition Downeast Bird Carvings of Wendell Gilley at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. On exhibit were sixty-one carvings of birds "on display together for the first time." 34, 272 people attended the exhibit during its ten week run from October 29, 1976 to January 7, 1977.
1241Letter to Wendell Gilley from Barbara Tyson
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Events, Exhibitions
Description:
Letter thanking Wendell Gilley for the loan of his carvings for the exhibit Downeast Bird Carvings by Wendell Gilley held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1976 through Jan. 7, 1977
  • 81.1.42
1051Screech Owl
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/2 life size adult bird; perched facing full forward on natural wood mounted on carved wooden base, front toes protruding from body, ear tufts semi-erect, screw visible on underside of limb, extra screw hole in base adjacent to existing screw attaching limb to base; glass eyes. Signed "Gilley '73" on right front of base. Marked "Addie Gilley, Screeched Owl, grey phase, 1973" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.55
1063Bald Eagle
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; perched on driftwood "stump," attached to flat driftwood base, erect posture, facing forward; glass eyes, metal feet, adult plumage. Signed and dated "Gilley '73" on right side of base. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside of base. One of only three miniature eagles.
  • 81.1.170
1164Bald Eagle
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, head turned slightly left, wings upraised, beak slightly open; glass eyes, metal toe nails, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '76" on base. Marked "Bald Eagle by Wendell Gilley, SW Harbor, ME, 1976" on underside of base. Commissioned by David Rockefeller as a gift for his brother Nelson Rockefeller to commemorate his term as Vice President. The carving resided in the White House for a period. [show more]
  • 81.1.168
1162Great Horned Owl
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base; head turned to left, wings upraised, tail spread, talons clutching driftwood; glass eyes, metal toenails, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley 1977" on base.
  • 99.3.2
1361Bobwhite
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base inscribed "Bob White by W. H. Gilley 1974 ; Made for the 'Cheevers'" ; artist's stamp on underside of base.
  • 96.2.12
1260Common Tern, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Birds painted in summer plumage. Bottom of driftwood base marked "Made for Hilda + Hulda Bragdon, Xmas 1971." Signed "Gilley" on right front of base.
  • 96.2.8
1364Herring Gull, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Two adult birds on a roughly "J" shaped driftwood base ; glass eyes ; cast lead legs and feet. Signed "Gilley" on right side of driftwood base below the sitting gull ; inscribed "Made for Hilda - Hulda Bragdon 1972" on underside of base.
  • 96.2.4, 96.2.5
1250Goldfinch pair
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
One marked "Made for Hilda Bragdon by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base. The other marked "Made for Hulda Bragdon by W.H. Gilley" on underside of base. Both dated 1970.
  • 89.3.23
1247Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male sitting in the crotch of a Y shaped twig mount, body facing forward but head turned completely to the left ; glass eyes ; swirled driftwood root base. Signed "Gilley" and dated '71 on underside of base. Appears to have been overmarked '72
  • 89.3.22
1356Bluebird
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult male Eastern bluebird ; ovoid pine base with multi-twigged branch rising from off-center; narrow-bodied bird sits on a lower twig, head turned to left and slightly raised ; glass eyes, metal feet, no visible legs. Inscribed: "Bluebird by Wendell Gilley for Harold and Gladys Townsend Xmas 1976" on underside of base
  • 89.3.24
1464House Wren
  • Carving, 3/4 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult bird balances on the front face of burl base with wire legs and toes with talons clutching downward ; deeply arched back with vertical tail and bill pointing almost to sky. Glass eyes. Signed "Gilley/'78" on top edge of base. Underside of base marked "House Wren 1978, #34" and stamped "Wendell H. Gilley".
  • 89.3.15
1299Canada Goose
  • Carving, Decoy, Miniature
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult in swimming position, head erect on slightly bent neck facing straight forward; glass eyes ; signed "Gilley 72" on underside where felt is cut away
  • 89.3.11
1304Baldpate, Male
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Now known as American Wigeon ; marked "Baldpate '74, #28" on underside of base ; humped "clamshell" base is a driftwood burl ; wire legs and metal feet with tiny talons; signed "Gilley" on left front of base
  • 89.3.7
1465Hermit Thrush
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Glass eyes ; wire and metal feet and legs ; feet are atop a "stump" of a small branch mounted in turn on a carved pine base. Underside of base marked "Hermit Thrush by Wendell Gilley 1977.
  • 89.3.5
1298Canvasback
  • Carving, Decoy, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Canvasback drake in swimming position, adult plumage, scant carved detail ; completely withdrawn head, turned slightly to the right. Signed "by W. H. Gilley 1971"
  • 88.4.1
1500Canvasback, Male
  • Carving, Decoy
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Decorative decoy depicting an adult canvasback drake. Signed W.H. Gilley, dated 1974. Inscribed "Made for Robert Kurtz"
  • 81.1.174
1310Greater Roadrunner
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Adult, standing on mesquite base, tail erect ; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned, and painted detail ; carved circa 1977, painted and completed winter, 1981. Signed "Gilley" with artist's branding iron on flat side of base. Companion piece 81.1.175.
  • 81.1.175
1311Greater Roadrunner
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Life-size adult "running" on mesquite base ; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail ; carved circa 1977, painted and completed winter 1981. Unsigned. Companion piece 81.1.174.
  • 81.1.165
1159Wood Duck, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; male and female on driftwood piece attached to oblong carved wooden base, male standing, neck erect above crouched female with neck down; both with glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left of base. Marked "Wood Duck by W.H. Gilley, 1970-71, made for Addie Gilley, Feb. 20, 1971, Birthday" on underside.
  • 81.1.155
1149Penguin with Chick
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult standing erect, chick fits between adult's feet, standing erect and looking up at adult; both with glass eyes, semi-detailed. Signed and marked "Made for Addie Gilley, Gilley 1976" on underside of adult. Chick signed "Gilley '76" and marked "Addie."
  • 81.1.133
1130Bald Eagle
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; decorative eagle, painted gold standing head down, beak agape, tongue visible, wings outstretched, tail down; integral base. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.36
1034Short-eared Owl
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
1/5 Life size; perched on natural wood, incorrect toes (3 front, 1 back,) head turned over left shoulder; glass eyes, 3-D feet, painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on right side of base, underside of base marked "Addie Birthday 1972."
  • 81.1.24
1023Bluebird
  • Carving
  • Birds
Description:
Life size adult in semi-upright stance, perched on twig attached to pear-shaped carved wooden base; glass eyes, has "observant look" ; metal legs/feet ; painted detail. Signed on base: "Gilley, '76." Underside marked: "Addie Gilley, 1976, 10."
  • 81.1.25
1022Bluebird
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; mounted on pear-shaped carved wooden base, perched sideways on branch, head turned forward; glass eyes. Signed "Gilley '76" on lower right. Underside marked: "Blue Bird by W.H Gilley 1976, 15."
  • 81.1.23
1021Bluebird
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; perched in downward stance on twig attached to carved wooden oblong base ; glass eyes, metal feet/legs ; blue paint partially rubbed off of head, back, and sides to give natural effect. Signed: "Gilley '76" on right side of base. Underside numbered "5."
  • 81.1.27
1024Bluebird
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size, slightly oversized; perched on twig, mounted on carved oblong wooden base, horizontal stand, facing forward; glass eyes. Signed: "Gilley, '76" on right side of base, number 4 of 16. Underside marked "4 Addie Gilley."
  • 81.1.20
1017Long-eared Owl with Black-capped Chickadee
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Two carvings, 1/3 Life size (chickadee is in proportion to owl); mounted on natural wood, owl at bottom facing forward, chickadee perched on branch to the left and above the owl. On owl, two toes forward and two backward; no feet on chickadee; glued onto branch, Chickadee has pinhead black eyes, owl has glass eyes, both with painted and carved detail. Signed: "Gilley '72"; marked "l. eared owl," on underside of base.
  • 81.1.16
1013King Eider, Female
  • Carving, Mobil, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; flying, wire screwed into body for hanging; glass eyes, painted feet and plumage, carved feather detail in wings. Signed "Giley," under left wing; marked "Addie Gilley."
  • 81.1.14
1011King Eider, Male
  • Carving, Mobil, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; flying carving, wire screwed into body for hanging; glass eyes, painted details of plumage and feet, some carved feather detail in wings; incorrect beak detail; artist copied from painting w/o front perspective. Signed: "Gilley" on white upper flank patch; "Addie Gilley" marked on underside of breast. Companion pieces: 81.1.15, 81.1.16.
  • 81.1.9
1044Canada Goose
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; mounted on driftwood base, standing up, neck drawn back, head turned slightly to left; carved feet, painted adult plumage details. Signed and dated "Gilley '72" on lower right side. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside.
  • 81.1.100
1106Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size adult; mounted on driftwood stump attached to carved oblong wooden base, perched upright, three toes of each foot protruding; glass eyes - somewhat marred, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed and dated "Gilley '76" on rear of driftwood.
1004Wendell Holmes Gilley at Work on a Goose
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley painting a Canada Goose. Reverse side marked: "W SW '75"
1236Downeast Bird Carvings Exhibit Catalog
  • Publication, Catalog
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Catalog of an exhibition of Wendell Gilley's bird carvings held at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia from October 29, 1976 through January 9, 1977
  • 20.01.134
1468Atlantic Puffin
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base marked: "Puffin by W. H. Gilley " ; signature "Gilley" burned into bottom of base
  • 81.1.66
1074Green-winged Teal
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; adult on natural burl base, head turned slightly to right, hunched back, squatting; burned and painted detail, feet lead. Signed and dated "Gilley '74" on right of base. Marked "Green-winged teal by W. Gilley for Addie Gilley, 1974" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.47
1056Mallard Drake
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; mounted on driftwood base, erect posture facing forward; glass eyes, 3-D feet, highly detailed paintings, carved tail feathers. Signed, dated and marked "Mallard by W.H Gilley; 1973 for Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
1439Letter from Wendell H. Gilley to Fred Clark, November 6, 1978
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Letter to the President of Warren Tool Co., Fred Clark, containing Wendell Gilley's pencil illustrations of carving knives and blades
1438Letter from Wendell H. Gilley to Fred Clark, December 2, 1979
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
Description:
Letter to the President of Warren Tool Co., Fred Clark, discussing carving knives and blades
1437Letter from Wendell H. Gilley to Fred Clark, November 17, 1978
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Letter to the President of Warren Tool Co., Fred Clark, concerning wood carving tools and ways of holding tools on a work bench. Also mentioned is a grouse carving loaned to Harry Meech, one of the founders of the National Carvers Museum.
1413Christmas Card from Addie and Wendell Gilley, 1976
  • Document, Correspondence, Greeting Card
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Christmas card featuring a carved barn owl on a piece of driftwood. Signed "Addie & Wendell Gilley." Marked "Xmas 1976" on reverse side of card
  • 20.01.110
1360Woodcock
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Label affixed to underside of base: "American Woodcock, 1971 ; Addie Gilley Collection"
1220Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Thank you letter for a gift of a carved pair of ruffed grouse
1221Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Letter discusses publishing Gilley's book in a limited edition as well as including a photograph of Gilley with an osprey as an insert. It also mentions a carving of an owl and another of a bobwhite quail on a hatchet.
1218Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • Object, Other Object, Decoys
Description:
Letter describing the making of 36 duck decoys.. O'brien also mentions picking up a finished woodcock from Gilley.
1207Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Letter discusses sending text, artwork, and photos for the book, Art of Bird Carving, to Byron Cheever. Flying goose, bob-white and blue quail carvings are also mentioned.
1355Letter from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. to Belton Kleberg (B. K.) Johnson, May 6, 1971
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Letter describes a carving of a blue quail and bobwhite purchased by Johnson
1351Letter from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. to Wendell H. Gilley, June 10, 1971
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
This letter accompanied O'Brien's submission of his draft foreword to Gilley's book The Art of Bird Carving
  • 81.1.77
1085Bobwhite Quail, Pair
  • Carving, Pair, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; pair mounted on driftwood base, male stands erect on right, female squats on left, head toward ground; both have glass eyes, wire feet and legs, painted detail. Unsigned, unmarked.
  • 20.01.100
1345Wild Turkey
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base marked: "Wild Turkey made for Hilda and Hulda Bragdon Christmas 1974 by Wendell Gilley"
  • 81.1.108
1113Canada Goose
  • Carving, 1/4 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/4 life size; Adult mounted on driftwood base, standing upright, body horizontal, neck erect, head turned slightly left; glass eyes, metal feet, carved and painted detail. Unsigned. Paint cracked at top of right leg.
1329Letter to Byron Cheever from Wendell H. Gilley, April 29, 1971
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Wendell suggests carvings he had on hand that could be photographed to illustrate his book. Birds he suggests are: bob white quail, scaled quail, flock of 7 Canada geese, pair of Wilson snipe, pair of grouse, single woodcock, several miniature birds of all types, great blue heron with trout in mouth, group of three pintails, life size eagle, pair of life size wood duck, spotted sandpiper on mussel shell, life size pileated woodpecker, pair of eagles with two babies in nest. [show more]
1213Letter From Byron Cheever to Wendell H. Gilley
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Photocopy from the original by Byron Cheever listing questions he had regarding publishing Gilley's book. Gilley's answers as dictated to Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. are in pencil after each question.
1328Letter From Byron Cheever to Wendell H. Gilley
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Original letter from Byron Cheever, Publisher of North American Decoys, expressing Cheever's willingness to publish Wendell Gilley's book and asking questions about publication and printing details.
  • 81.1.120
1125Ruffed Grouse, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult male on driftwood base, standing, tail slightly raised, feathers spread, head turned slightly left, carved, burned and painted detail; glass eyes, metal feet. Marked "Ruffed Grouse by W.H. Gilley, 1973, property of Addie Gilley, Southwest Harbor, Maine" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.17
1014Barn Owl
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
1/5 life size; on natural wooden base, hunched over as if watching for prey, toes positioned, 3 point back instead of natural 2:2; glass eyes, painted and carved detail. Signed: "Gilley '76" on right of base. Underside marked "Barn Owl by W.H. Gilley, Addie Gilley 1976."
1258Mallard Drake
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Marked "Model made by Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Carved on a carving machine. Assembled + painted by Wendell Gilley." Has round label "1M" on bottom.
  • 20.01.012
1251Goldfinch
  • Carving
  • Birds
  • Carvings
Description:
Underside of base marked "Goldfinch by W.H. Gilley to Jeff Morrill" ; dated 1977.
  • 81.1.142
1185Scaled or Blue Quail, Hen
  • Carving, Almost Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Hen standing on slice of driftwood, right foot forward, facing downward, crest erect, glass eyes, painted, carved, burned detail, metal legs and feet, signed on base, "Gilley '73," underside of base stamped "Wendell Gilley, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 04679, 'Scaled or Blue Quail (Hen)'."
1216Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Places, Island
Description:
Letter describing O'Brien's sailing trip around Buckle Island, Swans Island and others and the eiders and ospreys he saw. This letter also mentions Gilley's idea for a museum.
1215Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Object, Woodworking, Woodworking Vise
  • People
Description:
This letter thanks Gilley for sending a vise. O'Brien also encloses correspondence with Byron Cheever about publishing Gilley's book.
1205Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
Description:
This letter acknowledges receipt of a letter and chisel from Gilley, and discusses various carvings including a spotted sandpiper on a mussel shell and two pairs of quail
1219Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • Object, Other Object, Decoys
Description:
O'Brien acknowledges receipt of a spotted sandpiper carving from Gilley and discusses a handle Gillely designed for an X-Acto blade as well as decoy designs.
1206Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
This letter discusses correspondence between Wendell Gilley and Byron Cheever, author and magazine publisher, about Gilley's book. The author of the letter makes suggestions about paper and cover art and discusses copyright.
1212Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Note from O'Brien included with a copy of a letter from Byron Cheever. O'Brien mentions having been asked by Peggy Rockefeller if Gilley would sell her a flock of geese.
1209Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Byron Cheever
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Contains instructions for making changes to Gilley's book The Art of Bird Carving for a new edition.
1214Letter to Byron Cheever from Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Object, Woodworking, Woodworking Vise
  • Other, Literature
  • People
Description:
This letter praises Wendell Gilley's inventiveness, his carving and his book . O'Brien refers to a vise for holding decoys and carvings for painting that Wendell includes in the book.
1208Letter to Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. from Byron Cheever
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Other, Literature
Description:
Letter acknowledges receipt of a copy of O'Brien's letter to Wendell H. Gilley. Cheever promises to work on the material for Gilley's book but says hes is in the process of getting the summer issue of North American Decoys ready for the printer.
1211Letter to Wendell H. Gilley from Byron Cheever
  • Document, Correspondence
  • Carvings
  • Other, Literature
  • People
Description:
Cheever writes that he has received the materials for Gilley's book and that he read the new chapter on decoys and thought it was well done. He also talks about meeting carver Harold Haertel in Chicago at a meeting of decoy collectors.
  • 81.1.115
1120White-winged Scoter
  • Carving, Decoy, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; swimming, flat bottom adult, neck partially down, turned left; glass eyes, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on underside of tail. Textured surface.
  • 81.1.98
1104Upland Plover
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; mounted on driftwood base, standing erect, right leg raised, head turned left; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Marked, dated and signed "for Addie Gilley, Upland Plover by W.H. Giley, 1974" on underside of base. Also called upland sandpiper Companion piece no. 81.1.97
  • 81.1.86
1093Blue-winged Teal, Male
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; drake mounted on burned driftwood base, head turned left, beak down; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '74" on left side of base, marked "Blue-winged Teal by W.G. Gilley, 1974, made for Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
1228Wendell H. Gilley, September 1974
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley next to a shelf holding carving of Canada geese
1227Wendell H. Gilley Holding Eagle Carving and Miniature Mallard, Summer 1971
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley standing in front of garage holding two carvings, an eagle and his first carving, a mallard made in 1930. On back of photo: "Wendell, Gilley, summer 1971, taken by Diane L. Kelly, his 1st & present bird in progress."
1226Wendell H. Gilley with Eagle, November 1970
  • Image, Photograph
  • Birds
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley standing next to unfinished half life size carved eagle
1223Wendell H. Gilley in his workshop - Oct. 1971
  • Image, Photograph
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley at work on a carving in his workshop.
1222Wendell H. Gilley with Osprey - 1972
  • Image, Photograph
  • Carvings
  • People
Description:
Wendell Gilley holding carved osprey in a snow covered yard, Southeast Harbor, Maine
  • 81.1.169
1163Bald Eagle with Flounder
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; adult on driftwood base, wings upraised, head turned left, beak agape; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '71" on base. Marked made by Wendell Gilley, 1971, value $5,000, Addie Gilley" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.92
1099Mallard Drake
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/2 life size; stands up semi erect, head turned to left; metal feet, carved and painted detail. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside.
  • 81.1.106
1111Green-winged Teal
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size drake; standing on driftwood base, head erect, turned to left; Glass eyes, metal feet, carved , burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left rear of base. Marked "For Addie Gilley, Green -winged Teal by W.H. Gilley, 1974" on underside of base. Stamped "W.H. Gilley" between legs.
  • 81.1.95
1102Mallard Drake
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; mounted on driftwood base, standing semi-erect, head turned right; glass eyes, metal feet, carved and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left of base.
  • 81.1.163
1157Cormorant Group
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; six cormorants, five adults and one juvenile on driftwood base in various postures, all oriented towards left; all have glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Unsigned
  • 81.1.162
1156Common Eider Group
  • Carving, Multiple Birds, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; two males and two female adults on driftwood base, male on far right has right wing extended, beak is preening right shoulder, two females in center, other male on far left, neck erect; all have glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Unsigned.
  • 81.1.140
1136Great Blue Heron with Trout
  • Carving, 1/2 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Half size; adult standing on driftwood attached to round carved wooden base, left leg bent, neck erect, beak closed around carved, painted trout; glass eyes, metal legs, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left of base.
  • 81.1.114
1119Green-winged Teal
  • Carving, Decoy, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. life size; swimming adult, flat bottom, neck erect, head turned slightly left; glass eyes; burned and painted detail. Unsigned.
  • 81.1.89
1096Atlantic Puffin
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; mounted on wood covered with sand simulating rock, erect posture, head turned slightly right; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Marked, dated and signed "Property of Addie Gilley, Xmas 1977, made by Wendell Gilley, 1977" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.117
1122Brown Pelican
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/5 life size; adult on driftwood stump attached to carved oblong base, standing on toes, wings raised over head, head turned slightly to right; glass eyes, carved, burned and painted detail. Unsigned.
  • 81.1.173
1165Pintail, Group
  • Carving, 1/3 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/3 life size; three adult pintails on driftwood base, two males, one female, male on right, standing erect, male in center squat, female on far left, preening right wing; glass eyes, cast metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Marked "property of Addie Gilley, 1970" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.103
1108Wild Turkey, Pair
  • Carving, Pair
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/6 life size adults; mounted on driftwood attached to oblong carved wooden base, male on right, head erect and turned slightly right; glass eyes, wire legs, bristle "beard" - female on right, head lowered, right leg back in scratching pose; glass eyes, metal legs; both have carved and painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on left side of driftwood. Marked and dated "Made for Addie Gilley birthday, 1975, Wild Turkey 1975, by Wendell Gilley" on underside of base. [show more]
  • 81.1.141
1137Canada Goose
  • Carving, 1/5 Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Approx. 1/5 life size adult on driftwood base, neck bent down, scratching head with right foot; glass eyes, metal feet, carved, burned and painted detail. Signed "Gilley '71" on left of base.
  • 81.1.87
1094Cinnamon Teal
  • Carving, Decoy, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size decoy; Swimming Teal, flat bottom, neck erect/back, facing forward; glass eyes, carved and painted detail. Marked, signed and dated "Made for Addie Gilley, Cinnamon Teal by W.H. Gilley, 1970" on underside.
  • 81.1.61
1069Wren
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; perched on twig screwed onto carved wood base, head and tail erect; glass eyes, painted feather detail, wired by feet. Signed "Gilley '79" on left of base. Marked "Addie Gilley birthday, 1979: on underside of base.
  • 81.1.56
1064Bald Eagle
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; mounted on driftwood base, erect posture, head turned right; glass eyes, metal feet, adult plumage. Signed and dated "Gilley '73" on right side of base. Marked "Addie Gilley" on underside of base. One of only three eagle miniatures.
  • 81.1.57
1066Dark-eyed Junco
  • Carving, Life-size
  • Birds
Description:
Life size; mounted on driftwood base, horizontal stance; glass eyes, wire legs and feet, painted detail. Signed "Gilley" on right of base. Marked "Junco, Addie Gilley, 1970" on underside of base.
  • 81.1.60
1068Whistling Swan
  • Carving, Decoy, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; "swimming" swan, neck erect, facing forward; painted and carved detail. Stamped "Wendell H. Gilley, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 04679, male Whistling Swan made for Addie Gilley by (writing smeared.) Only swimming swan made by W.H. Gilley.
  • 81.1.45
1054Saw-whet Owl
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; mounted on natural wood base composed of two pieces, facing forward, head turned to right, front toes painted on to body; glass eyes. Signed "Gilley '72" on right side of base. Marked "Addie" on underside.
  • 81.1.39
1048Bufflehead, Male
  • Carving, Miniature
  • Birds
Description:
Miniature; mounted on natural wood base; carved and painted eyes, 3D legs and feet, painted adult plumage. Signed and dated "'75 Gilley" on rear side of base. Marked "Bufflehead, Addie" on underside.
1006The Art of Bird Carving: a Guide to a Fascinating Hobby
  • Publication, Book
  • Birds
Description:
A guide to a fascinating hobby! Wendell Gilley was a bird watcher and artist who carved birds in wood on Mount Desert Island, Maine. He started out carving two-inch wooden birds for Abercrombie & Fitch. The book is beautifully illustrated with color photographs and with drawings.