John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
American
Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.
In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.
Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.
Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: John Stuart
Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished on back as well for many op...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Single Bay Teak Desk for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Teak Single Bay Teak Desk. Solid Teak with a Locking Drawer. Iron legs with Teak Caps. Top shows a shadow from a Desk Pad, but over-all very ...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design
A recently white lacquered seven graduating drawer dresser or chest having an interior desk that folds down to reveal a 13 1/2 inch deep by 37 1/2 inch wide writing surface desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1960s John Stuart French Provincial Style Console Sofa Table or Desk
By John Stuart
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Midcentury French Provincial style console sofa table by John Stuart. Base features a white painted finish with curved cabriole legs and one single drawer. Top is stained wood. Table could also be used as a long desk.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John Stuart Inc. Adorning its exterior of glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass acc...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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White Lacquer Console or Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
White lacquered desk, two drawers with brass ring pulls. Clearance height 23.5. Desk or console finished on all sides.
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1990s John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Drop-Leaf Table for John Stuart
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning mid-century table features the perfect combination of stylish vintage design and functionality. Dual drop leaves feature sculpted legs which easily retract to 18" wide ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
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Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons Italian Walnut Asymmetrical Desk
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive midcentury angled student desk in Italian walnut designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons (Model 2162 - USA, ca. 1955).
Often co-attributed to Gio Ponti, who also...
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Hand Crafted Art Deco Brutalist Dining, Console Table or Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-crafted French Deco wrought iron table with very interesting rolled and hammered disks to the lower portion of each leg. A very versatile piece which could be a small dining tab...
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20th Century French Brutalist John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
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Wrought Iron, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, 1960s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid century walnut writing desk designed by John Van Koert and manufactured by Drexel in the United States circa 1960s. Made from high-quality walnut, this desk radiates elegance and...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Desk French Style Writing Desk, Black Lacquer with Grey Leather Writing Surface
By Selva
Located in Toronto, CA
We present a beautifully finished desk made in Italy by Selva in cherry wood, with a leather writing surface. This item has been recently re-stained by our expert team in a black lac...
Category
20th Century Italian John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Cherry
H 31 in W 55.25 in D 27.75 in
Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes
This is a very r...
Category
1860s English High Victorian Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
H 31.11 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in
Antique French Console Table or Ladies Small Writing Desk, Restored circa 1800s
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite console Table or ladies Writing Desk, made in France during the late 1800s from solid Mahogany. Beautifully restored, both structurally and cosmetically and ready for the next...
Category
1880s French Country Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 27.25 in W 35.75 in D 16.38 in
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass
Located in Opole, PL
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass
We present you a Neoclassical writing desk from the early 20th century.
It is...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk and matching chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 34.5 in W 34.5 in D 27 in
1970s Chinoiserie-Style Walnut Desk with Engraved Leather Top & Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the world of French elegance with our vintage 1970s chinoiserie-style desk, a symbol of refined craftsmanship and artistic expression. Expertly handcrafted from p...
Category
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 30 in W 60 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Console Table by John Stuart Inc
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage console table by John Stuart features a stylish Mid-Century design with dark burl lacquered finish and brass trim. Floating style tabletop accentuates the elegant appeal...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Original Eliel Saarinen for John Stuart, Black
By John Stuart, Eliel Saarinen
Located in Miami, FL
Original Eliel Saarinen for John Stuart. Original condition, desk has some chips, scratches and spots. We can help with refinishing.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Desk by John Stuart
By Herman Miller, John Stuart, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration in this georgous and amazingly crafted walnut desk by John Stuart featuring unique fluted legs with polished chrome pulls and feet. In wonderful original condi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Early 1950's Paul Frankl Desk Vanity for John Stuart Johnson Furniture
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
This fine example of early 1950's streamlined furniture designed by Paul T. Frankl and made by Johnson Furniture Company. Two-tone black satin lacquer and bleached wood finish make t...
Category
1950s American Art Deco Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Desk by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Amazingly crafted walnut desk by John Stuart. Unique fluted legs and metal hardware.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Executive Desk in Birch
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Stuart, John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully modern executive desk by designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, comes in vibrant birch, with three graduated drawers and pull-out writing surface, supporting...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
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Birch
Mid-Century Modernist Desk or Vanity in Ebonized Walnut by Paul Frankl
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modernist desk or vanity in ebonized walnut by Paul Frankl for John Stuart Inc. Tapered legs support a three-drawer desk portion adorned with Frankl's signature bras...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Desk by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Norwalk, CT
Modernist desk by John Stuart with three side drawers and interesting sculptural form. Totally restored with deep coffee stain and polished brass details.
Category
1960s Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Johnson Furniture Curved-Top Blonde Desk
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice design by Johnson Furniture curved top single pedestal desk.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Ebonized Desk
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
Seven drawer desk by TH Robsjohn Gibbings. Newly refinished in a deep espresso with newly polished original hardware on drawers.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Large Executive Solid Walnut Desk by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid walnut executive desk by John Stuart.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Mid Century Art Deco Walnut Vanity Dressing Table
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid century modern with art deco influence vanity by John Stuart.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Parsons Style Writing Desk Marked John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
Burl top, three drawer Parsons desk, with aluminum trim. Minor wear and loss to the aluminum trim, overall excellent condition.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
John Stuart desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
John Stuart desks and writing tables 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 John Stuart desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by John Stuart were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Milo Baughman, John Van Koert, and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. Prices for John Stuart desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $900 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,950.
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