Widdicomb Furniture Co.
American
Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.
A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.
The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.
John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.
The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.
In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.
Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.
In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.
Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: Texas
Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Two Modern T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Credenzas
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic mid-century modern! This set of two from Widdicomb's "Modern Originals", designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1940's. His signature style, defined by clean lines and arch...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer Chest with Solid Brass Pulls
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored cabinet by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. This is a classic and quite substantial. We have expertly black lacquered. Pulls are solid brass and have been poli...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
A Pair of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer and Brass Chests
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of beautifully restored cabinet by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. This is a classic and quite substantial. We have expertly black lacquered. Pulls are solid brass and have b...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Leg Side or Cocktail Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern walnut klismos leg coffee table or cocktail table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb furniture. Elegant and graceful square top with a two-tier desig...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Wood
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer Chest with Solid Brass Pulls
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored cabinet by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. This is a classic and quite substantial. We have expertly black lacquered. Pulls ar...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Director or Savonarola Style Chairs in Burl Wood with Brass Accents by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous chairs by Widdicomb, burl wood frames, brass accents including stretchers, feet, accents. New upholstery in Romo velvet. Selling as a pair. 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Flip-Top Convertible Console Table for Widdicomb 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
This console table has a deep espresso-finished mahogany top that sits upon four slender and graceful solid brass legs. It was designed in 1953 for Widdicomb Furniture by TH Robsjohn...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Petite Night Stands for Widdicomb Brass Legs Cane Handles
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Espresso-stained mahogany single drawer cabinet with elegantly tapered solid brass legs and cane-wrapped handles with solid oak interiors. A very understated yet sophisticated design...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Vintage Midcentury Desk by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pasadena, TX
Widdicomb
Vintage midcentury desk by Widdicomb
Oak with caramel Naugahyde top.
The finished back allows for flexible placement in room.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
TH Robsjohn Gibbings Chest for Widdicomb in Mahogany Cane Handles & Brass Legs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
1950s Widdicomb Cabinet designed by TH Robsjohn Gibbings and fully restored in a deep espresso stain with a satin lacquer finish over the original mahogany. All of the solid brass ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Rare Sideboard or Cabinet in Walnut, Rattan and Brass
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb rare 1950s sideboard or cabinet in rich deep walnut including central drawers with original circular woven rattan handles and brass end caps, cab...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Pair of Klismos Leg Side Tables by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Klismos leg side tables, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. ONLY ONE IS AVAILABLE.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers, C. 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
One of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings classics, designed for The Widdicomb Furniture Company, circa 1950-1950. This walnut chest of drawers or highboy features five large drawers providing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Nickel
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Magazine Table for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Littleton, CO
A recently and handsomely refinished magazine table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Co. in mahogany.
A table top for a lamp, drinks and decorative items floats a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Wood
Walnut Two-Tiered Side Table Attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern walnut two-tiered side table attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
H 22.25 in W 21 in D 30 in
Original Hand Carved and Blackened Reclaimed Oak Sculptural Accent or Side Chair
By Rooms Studio
Located in New York, NY
This hand-carved and blackened reclaimed oak chair, designed by Rooms Studio (from their 2018 Wild Minimalism collection), is inspired by the legacy of traditional Georgian craftsmanship. The Sculptural Chair is meticulously handcrafted of ancient wood, and features a diamond shape cut-out on the top rail, which is curved gently, cradling the back, with a round seat and circular cross stretcher.
About the Design Studio:
Works of Rooms Studio refers to the sculptural forms and abundant materials in juxtaposition with the feminine instincts. Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, the duo behind the Rooms, Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, lean towards preserving the inherited craftsmanship techniques unique to the region.
Massive wood and stone objects are hand-crafted using traditional techniques to create raw and symbolic forms often rooted in the designers' childhood memories. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, where the two worlds - Western and Eastern collide, remarkably influenced their design language.
Over the years, Rooms has created eight independent collections and collaborations equally memorable and representative of the duo's perpetual mission to bring life to omitted elements of a former life. Through their series of works, Janberidze and Toloraia try to examine the boundaries between the public and private. Experiencing adolescent years in the 90s - a significant decade of cultural and societal shifts - their work is a narrative of personal experiences of womanhood. By contrasting the new feminine monumental shapes with architectural brutality, Rooms challenges the status quo and also bridges the conventional and contemporary design with a confluence of female energy.
The work of Rooms Studio has concerned itself with questions of nomenclature since the Tbilisi-based design atelier was co-founded by Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia in 2007. Take, for instance, the studio’s name: in adopting the basic unit of interior space as the title of their practice, Janberidze and Toloraia also emphasized the emotional force of interiority and inner life in determining their creative output.
The studio’s largest U.S. exhibition to date, "Distant Symphony," expands upon this impulse to focus inward. The title is again a chief concern—some of the objects included here were designed during the global pandemic, under a regime of forced isolation that made the studio’s typically collective work process untenable. The pieces shown here are the results of Rooms’ search for a way forward. The first room, an antechamber of sorts, evokes the intimate quality of a private home. Shown here are trinkets and personal effects chosen by Janberidze and Toloraia for their emotive qualities; a low background noise emphasizes the climate of urban domesticity. The ensuing gallery space features highlights of Rooms’ recent design output. Here, the subtle scent of organic materials provides a sensory indication of the atelier’s interest in dichotomies: natural and man-made, personal and collective, local and cosmopolitan.
In light of the global circumstances, Janberidze and Toloraia felt it was especially important to pursue collaborative work. Rooms invited three artists—Shotiko Aptsiauri, Salome Chigalashvili and Mariana Chkonia—to conduct a dialogue and shared design process. As such, this exhibition is a kind of polyphonic meditation on a need for solitude and desire for companionship. The practice of polyphonic singing, essential to Georgian folk culture, is reinterpreted here as a design endeavor. Chigilashvili, working with unprocessed yarn, interpreted folk motifs by adapting embroidery to the scale of furniture with expansive stitches applied to painted boards...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak, Reclaimed Wood, Wood
H 33 in W 20 in D 20 in
Antique Italian Savonarola Dante Chair Carved Oak Renaissance Lion Shield
Located in Tyler, TX
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Oak "Savonarola" or "Dante" Chair~~early 20th Century
These chairs, often called scissor or "X" chairs, are typically supported by two crossed or curved supports at the sides or back and front~~these chairs were given the name Savonarola in the 19th century after Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian priest in Florence from 1494-1498~~the design comes from an ancient Roman "X" shaped chair that was popular in medieval Italy...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
H 38 in W 24.25 in D 20.25 in
Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour
By Scarlet Splendour
Located in Kolkata, IN
Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour is a beautiful chair which will add a sparkle to any interior space.
The Fools' Gold collection of amorphous forms, cast in brass, is a t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
8 Drawer Double Dresser Designed by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Impressive eight drawer double dresser designed by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. The chest features two banks of four drawers, creating ample storage space. It is in very good, or...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Wood
t.h. robsjohn-gibbings Double Dresser for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Trenton, NJ
This exquisite eight-drawer double dresser, designed by the esteemed T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, embodies the essence of mid-century elegance. The dresser's spacious interi...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Wood
MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros
By Virtue Brothers, Robert Kjer Jakobsen
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. They are in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Chrome
H 32 in W 19 in D 16 in
Vintage Needlepoint Director’s Chair Folding Black Brown White Geometric
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome black wood folding director’s chair with a handmade black, brown, and white geometric pattern needlepoint sling seat and back. It is in wonderful vintage condition. The wood has a new coat of black paint. The needlepoint is all intact and has been carefully cleaned. Please see photos, circa 1960s-1970s.
Now this is a director’s chair!! I fell totally in love...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Campaign Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Textile, Wood
H 33.5 in W 23 in D 18.75 in
Paolo Mahogany and Canvas Folding Director's Chair
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Paolo Director's Chair is crafted from solid mahogany wood, paired with vintage style heavy loomed canvas. The chair is in the spirit of the c...
Category
2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Canvas, Mahogany
Previously Available Items
TH Robsjohn Gibbings Chests for Widdicomb in Mahogany Cane Handles & Brass Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning matched pair of three drawer low chests designed by one of the masters of 20th-century modernism, TH Robsjohn Gibbings. The mahogany cabinets have been refinished to the highest possible standard in a dark espresso satin lacquered stain and the brass legs and fittings have been cleaned and re-sealed. The oak interiors are quite clean and one of the original Widdicomb labels is intact.
The chests exude a very elegant, formal brand of modernism and would also serve well as oversized nightstands.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
H 32.25 in W 34.5 in D 20 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Lounge Chairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful modern lounge chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in the United States, circa 1950s, feature a maple frame with angled legs and a slatted back. Both cha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Maple, Fabric
H 32 in W 25.5 in D 31.5 in
TH Robsjohn Gibbings Dresser for Widdicomb in Mahogany Cane Handles & Brass Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
1950s Widdicomb Cabinet designed by TH Robsjohn Gibbings and fully restored in a deep espresso stain with a satin lacquer finish over the original mahogany. All of the solid brass ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
H 32 in W 68 in D 21 in
George Nakashima Dining Table & Chairs Widdicomb Origins Collection 1959
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a rare and complete George Nakashima Origins Collection dining room set.
The set includes two #259w armchairs, four #259w side chairs, the model #203 dining table, and two ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Hickory, Walnut
H 28.5 in W 107.75 in D 41.75 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Three-Bay Sideboard, c 1950, Signed
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant fully restored three-bay sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (USA) features gorgeous walnut grain with simple yet refined style and design. Signed with its...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Wood
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Marble and Walnut Cocktail Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful table with a beautifully figured marble top and stout walnut base by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Marble
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Nesting Tables in Walnut for Widdicomb 1950s Sabre Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Amazing set of 3 nesting / drinks tables. Perfect for parties. Extremely well constructed and very stable. They compact very tightly. Signed with Widdicomb label.
Measures: Large ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
H 24 in W 26 in D 23 in
Widdicomb Burl Campaign Executive Desk
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pasadena, TX
Widdicomb burl campaign executive desk.
Stunning burl version of the executive desk by John Widdicomb.
Beautiful burled walnut and plinth base executi...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
Widdicomb Louis XVI Oval Dining Table in Walnut
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Widdicomb dining table with walnut top and gary stained base. Table has a starburst pattern in grain. Louis XVI style legs. Table has three leaves which are each 18" long, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Louis XVI Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Pair of Nightstands for Widdicomb, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings pair of nightstands designed by for Widdicomb, from the 1950s.
Nightstands have two drawers on the lower section and an open shelf on the top area.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
TH Robsjohn Gibbings Chest of Drawers in Walnut with Cane Handles
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Bookmatched walnut chest of drawers with segmented oak interiors, woven cane wrapped handles, and solid polished brass hardware and feet. Signed with the Widdicomb label to the top d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Walnut
Vintage 1970s Green Chinoiserie Credenza by Mario Buatta for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Mario Buatta
Located in San Antonio, TX
This vintage chinoiserie credenza is in overall good condition. Designed by Mario Buatta for Widdicomb. Brass hardware. Chinoiserie design o...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Widdicomb Furniture Co. furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Widdicomb Furniture Co. furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Widdicomb Furniture Co. furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Widdicomb Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by George Nelson, Paul Frankl, and Henredon. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $550 and can go as high as $120,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,895.
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