Mid-20th Century Walnut Executive Desk by John Widdicomb
About the Item
- Creator:John Widdicomb (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Width: 54.2 in (137.67 cm)Depth: 27 in (68.58 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Desk has been refinished in a satin lacquer. Signs of tasteful patina still remain under subsurface in some areas. Overall excellent condition and structurally sound.
- Seller Location:Ava, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7250233426852
John Widdicomb
In the Widdicomb family, furniture ran in the blood. 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, Michigan. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.
A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. 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. Admirers of mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize Widdicomb for the partnerships with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. 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.
Today, Stickley continues to produce John Widdicomb Company furniture, including French, Italian, English and Russian reproductions, as well as modern works from the first half of the 20th century.
Find vintage John Widdicomb bedroom furniture, tables, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Ava, MO
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser with 6 Drawers by Jack CartwrightBy Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture CompanyLocated in Ava, MOPresenting this gorgeous 6 drawer Walnut Dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders. Absolutely clean lines, accentuated steel black pulls with chromed plate backing. Elevated by the m...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern Rosewood CredenzaBy Greaves and ThomasLocated in Ava, MOPresenting this long Rosewood credenza from England. Offering ample storage and stunning visuals with the vivid rosewood grain. On the left, you have two cabinet doors with 1 open shelf for storage inside. In the middle you have newly felt-lined drawers. Comes with 3 drawers, the top drawer has dividers, the middle and lower drawers are open. On the right, you have a pull down tray with sliding guides and a glass display shelf...Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsRosewood
- Mid Century Modern Club Chairs in OakBy (after) Frank Lloyd WrightLocated in Ava, MOA rare pair of Solid Oak Chairs from the midcentury. Offering incredible visuals, beautiful construction and a very stately presence. Thus we have given them the King and Queen...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Teak PlanterBy Arne Wahl IversenLocated in Ava, MOThis small planter with chest of drawers designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik offers great versatility and visuals all around. Wonderful shaping and tapered lines thr...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsTeak
- Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza with HutchLocated in Ava, MOIn a home full of select pieces of history, a Mid-Century Danish teak credenza commands attention with its elegant presence. Crafted with impeccable artistry, this piece exudes warmt...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- Pair of Mid-Century Ebonized Oak Round Chairs after Hans WegnerBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in Ava, MOPresenting this pair of Mid-Century Round Armchairs in the manner of Hans Wegner in black lacquer. Of vintage age, approximately circa 1970s. Faux full grain leather - sunburst in ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsOak
- Mid-Century Executive Desk by John WiddicombBy John WiddicombLocated in Brooklyn, NYElegant mid-century vintage desk from skilled craftsmen of Grand Rapids' John Widdicomb Fine Furniture. An ample walnut desktop measuring over 10 square feet offers plenty of workspa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Lacquered Brass Executive Desk by Mastercraft for John WiddicombBy John WiddicombLocated in Brooklyn, NYGorgeous executive desk built by Mastercraft for John Widdicomb Furniture. A gold abstract splatter over an ebonized lacquered top helps the brass legs stand out in any room. Please...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Bert England for John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Leather Top DeskBy Bert England, John WiddicombLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional mid-century modern writing desk or executive desk By Bert England for John Widdicomb "Orientation Group" USA, 1960s Walnut, with leather top and original Asia...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- John Widdicomb Burl Wood and Brass Executive Desk, Newly RefinishedBy John WiddicombLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern executive writing desk By John Widdicomb and produced by Mastercraft USA, Circa 1970s Measures...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Bert England Walnut Desk for John WiddicombBy John Widdicomb, Bert EnglandLocated in Philadelphia, PABert England for John Widdicomb faux-Tourtise shell finish body with a black vinyl work surface and drawer fronts. Asian inspired brass handles. Desk is finished on all sides! Fin...Category
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsFaux Leather, Walnut
- Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI-Style Executive DeskLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid-20th Century French Louis XVI-Style executive desk Mahogany with excessive bronze mounts and trim with tooled dark leather writing surface. Dimensions: 31" H x 71.75" ...Category
Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBronze