Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts

For many years, Dr. Paul D. Whitson, Emeritus Professor, taught biology and ecology at UNI, beginning in 1972. Following his retirement in 2005, he undertook the research and documentation of his collection of historic pencil sharpeners. He had collected more than 6,000 different examples, from the earliest Civil War-era artifacts to the most recent manifestations of popular culture. He researched their patent history, the lives of many inventors, and the materials and processes that enabled their production. His long-term efforts are a significant contribution to the study of the various means of sharpening pencils, and of a little-known aspect of the history of industrial design.

Included in this archive are photographs of approximately 200 artifacts from Whitson’s larger collection. Also included are items that document other related events.

In the fall semester of 2015, students in a beginning level course in graphic design (taught by UNI Professor Roy R. Behrens) were assigned the problem of designing posters (three proposals by each student) to promote an exhibition of their own resulting pencil sharpener posters. The exhibition title was Never A Dull Moment: Based on Selected Artifacts from the P.D. Whitson Collection. The posters were later exhibited in the Kamerick Art Building at UNI from November 1 through 14, 2015.
In advance of beginning the problem, the students were given access to high resolution full-color photographs of about 200 items from the Whitson collection. These photographs had been taken by Professors Behrens and Whitson, for use in this assignment, and are included in this archive.
In addition, Paul and Anita Whitson were invited to a session of the class as guest speakers, at which time the students were able to see some of the physical artifacts from the collection. Installation views of the eventual hallway poster display are included in this archive. The Whitsons were greatly pleased with the poster project, with the result that they awarded cash prizes to a number of the finest designs.
An unanticipated consequence of this took place in the spring semester of 2018, when a major design-themed exhibition was held at the UNI Gallery of Art. Sponsored by former UNI President Constantine Curris and his family, who had established (in memory of their daughter) The Elena Diane Curris Endowment for Design, this inaugural exhibition was titled The Reach and Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition. Curated by Professor Behrens, among the major components of the exhibition were large-scale photographs of and numerous physical artifacts from the P.D. Whitson Collection. A selection of installation photographs are included in this archive.
In 2021, Professor Behrens created a series of “pandemic digital montages,” including one, titled New Acquisition, in which a man and a woman (who, by imaginative interpretation, might be assumed to represent Paul and Anita Whitson) are shown looking carefully at an historic pencil sharpener from the P.D. Whitson Collection. That artwork is also included in this archive.

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[001 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener, Brown Bear

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[002 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener, Blue Swan

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[003 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener, Brown Owl

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[004 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener, Brown Bird

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[005 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener, Yellow Pelican

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[006 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Yellow and Black Penguin

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[007 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Penguin

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[008 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Blue Piglet on Book

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[009 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, White Cat

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[010 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Deer with Antlers

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[011 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Blue Mouse on Book

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[012 image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Pluto

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[013 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Minnie Mouse

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[014 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Goofy

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[015 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Silver Dog

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[016 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Yellow Dog on Ball

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[017 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Boxing Silver Dog

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[018 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Dog and Red Scarf

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[019 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Green Elephant

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[020 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Circus Elephant

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[021 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Rocking Horse

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[022 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Kitten on Book

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[023 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Brown Bird

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[024 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Red Dog

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[025 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Gray Squirrel

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[026 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Brown Swan

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[027 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Yellow Cat Toulouse

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[028 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Pelican

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[029 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Three Cats

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[030 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Green Frog

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[031 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, All Out For Victory

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[032 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, 1934 A Century of Progress Chicago

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[033 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, G Man

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for the Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[034 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Butternut Yellow

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[035 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Red Elephant

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[036 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, 1930s Red Scottie Dog

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[037 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Yellow Chick Bird

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[038 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Black and White Cow with Horns

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[039 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Disney Donald Duck

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[040 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Disney Mickey Mouse

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[041 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Disney Pluto

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[042 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Red U.S. Army Tank

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[043 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Green U.S.A. Navy Plane

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[044 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Keep 'Em Flying!

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[045 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Let's Go! U.S.A. Keep 'Em Flying!

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[046 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Remember Pearl Harbor

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[047 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Red U.S.A. Army Plane

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[048 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Red Initial V

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[049 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, We Can, We Will, We Must Win F.D.R.

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[050 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Charlie McCarthy Green Background

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.
[051 Image] Whitson Pencil Sharpener Artifacts, Charlie McCarthy Wood Background

2018

The object belongs in the Whitson Pencil Sharpener Archive. The image was taken in 2018 by Roy Behrens for Richness of Design: The Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition, October 8 - November 16, 2018, in the UNI Gallery of Art.

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