William Westenhaver, known for his wood carvings and his company Witco, is highly regarded in the tiki community for his unique and sought-after tiki art carvings. While hunting for his wood carvings may be hit-and-miss in some parts of the country, it is relatively easy to find them in cities and towns around Seattle, as Westenhaver lived on Whidbey Island and worked in Mt. Vernon and Witco mass produced thousands of pieces of furniture and tiki art carvings.
The popularity of Westenhaver's tiki carvings in the tiki community has made them well-loved and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. His distinctive style, which often features bold and intricate wood carvings depicting Polynesian and tropical motifs, has become iconic in the world of tiki art. Whether it's large-scale furniture pieces or smaller art carvings, Westenhaver's work is known for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unique designs.
Collectors and fans of tiki art often keep an eye out for Westenhaver's pieces in antique stores, vintage shops, and online marketplaces. Due to the mass production of Witco pieces, which were often used in restaurants, bars, and hotels in the mid-20th century, there are still many of his carvings available for purchase. However, as with any collectible item, the condition, rarity, and demand for Westenhaver's carvings can affect their availability and price. We can only hope Mr. Westenhaver found happiness in his life, since he gave so much to us.
William Westenhaver Obituary in Chicago Sun-Times.
If you're interested in finding Westenhaver's tiki carvings, particularly around the Seattle area, checking out local antique stores, vintage shops, and online marketplaces specializing in mid-century furniture and decor can be a good place to start. Since Witco was located in Mt. Vernon, you can find these wood carvings all over Washington State. You may also want to connect with fellow tiki enthusiasts and collectors in the area who may have insider tips on where to find Westenhaver's pieces or upcoming events or sales that may feature his work. It seems like I find a Witco piece almost anytime I visit
Lander Street Vintage,
Aurora Antique Pavillion or
House of Marlow! Happy hunting!
