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.
$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Huntington, NY
A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.
Naugahyde, Walnut
$840Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair Gustavian Style Square-Back, Cane Painted Side Chairs by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful pair of Gustavian style painted wood, square-back cane and upholstered side chairs by John Widdicomb Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. USA, Circa 1950s Solid sculpted wood...
Hardwood
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Spider Back Armchairs, Pair
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of petite French Regency Louis XVI or Gustavian style spider back armchairs or dining captain chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Carved wood frames in distr...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
John Widdicomb Mid Century Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each cap...
Cane, Mahogany
John Widdicomb Queen Anne Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six Queen Anne or Georgian style dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 21"W x 21....
Upholstery, Mahogany
John Widdicomb Mid Century Parsons Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Parsons Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 18.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.25 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each captains chair measur...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 8 J. Stuart Clingman Dining Chairs for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of EIGHT modernist dining chairs in walnut with upholstered seat and floating back cushions held suspended by brass fittings. Designed by J. Stuart Clingman for John Widdicomb. ...
Brass
Eight Modern Chairs Widdicomb Teak Frame T. H. Robsjohn & Gibbings
By John Widdicomb
Located in Toledo, OH
Eight teak frame upholstered dining chairs by Widdicomb designed by T.H. Rbsjohn & Gibbings. Six upholstered alike two coordinating fabric chairs. Can use cleaning or new upholstery....
Teak
Set of 4 John Widdicomb Parson's Style Dining Chairs on Castors
By John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
A great set of four John Widdicomb Parsons style dining chairs. This set has its original upholstery (which is still in good condition). The upholstery fabric is in shades of light ...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Six J. Stuart Clingman Dining Chairs by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
From Clingman's Mid-Century Modern group, set of six walnut dining chairs with curved and spindle backs. Slightly raised centre top rail with delicate side stretchers and squared cap...
Walnut, Silk, Upholstery
Fabulous Asian Modern Widdicomb Dining Chairs Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Velvet
By John Widdicomb, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Asian modern set of six dining chairs by Widdicomb, two armchairs and four side chairs. We love the original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric but it does show wear-one has a small p...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Chairs by Widdicomb in Ponti Style
By Gio Ponti, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of very nice Mid-Century Modern design chairs in style of Gio Ponti. Italian modern influenced style made by Widdicomb.
Walnut
$18,450 / set
John Widdicomb Parsons Dining Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Dallas, TX
An outstanding set of Mid-century Modern Parsons Dining Chairs by John Widdicomb Co., The Orientation Group, circa 1970's. It is rare to find a set of eight, fully restored. It includes eight (8) side chairs model# 2074 and two (2) arm or captains chairs model# 2074 1/2. Thoughtful and precise design coupled with unparalleled American craftsmanship. A selection of some of the most subtly elegant elements of Oriential influence on European design, harmoniously combined: these dining chairs for instance, the enduring charm of the Orient currently being rediscovered. Featuring a simple and elegant design, expertly recovered in a teal colored velvet uphostery with solid wood dark stained legs offer a nice contrast. Today vintage Widdicomb...
Velvet, Wood
$1,800Sale Price / set|25% Off
John Widdicomb Asian Inspired Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
John Widdicomb Asian inspired chairs. Vintage Mid-Century Modern chairs by John Widdicomb. Chinese-inspired solid walnut wood chairs, set of four,...
Walnut
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern High Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Sculpted solid walnut frames, with upholstered seats and backs. Measures: Side ...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Widdicomb Queen Anne Solid Mahogany Dining Chairs, Pair
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Queen Anne or Georgian style dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 21"W x 21.5"D...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Eight Newly Upholstered Dining Chairs by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice set of eight 8 dining room chairs by John Widdicomb.
Upholstery, Walnut
Set 4 Gibbings Widdicomb Dining Chairs New Alcantera Faux Suede Upholstery MINT!
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set 4 Gibbings Widdicomb Dining Chairs New Alcantera Faux Suede Upholstery MINT!
Ultrasuede, Walnut
Set of Six Rare Brass Dining Side Chairs
By Maison Baguès
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of rare design brass chairs. Low profile HEAVY brass dining chairs.
Brass
$2,800 / set
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Handsome Set of Five John Stuart Walnut Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome set of 5 John Stuart walnut dining chairs. This well crafted set consists of 2 arm chairs and 3 side chairs. The seat seats pads h...
Upholstery, Walnut
$6,451 / set
H 39.38 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Six Vittorio Dassi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Six dining chairs designed by the famous Italian architect Vittorio Dassi, solid mahogany chairs and original eco-leather upholstery, in excellen...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs with Caned Back
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of 6 mid century modern dining chairs feature hardwood construction, original walnut finish, vintage patterned uphol...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$1,010 / item
H 38 in W 19 in D 18 in
Louis XVI Style Painted Square Back Side or Dining Chair for custom order
Located in Oakville, ON
This Louis XVI style square back dining chair is one of our most popular, best seller dining chair for us. The frame is made in Italy of soli...
Wood
$2,415Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 32 in W 22 in D 20 in
Set 6 John Widdicomb traditional Regency Dining Chairs
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location. Set of 6 Regency chairs by John WIddicomb. Original condition. Two Armch...
Fabric, Mahogany
$2,300 / set
H 35.25 in W 22.25 in D 24.25 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Knoll Style Brno Dining Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of four vintage dining chairs features unique flat chrome frame cantilever design, with rounded armrests, and comfortably padded seats. Unique scrolled top seat back and stunning chrome finish add to Mid-Century charm of the set, with details added to the original Mies van der Rohe...
Chrome
$7,025 / set
H 30.71 in W 19.49 in D 17.13 in
Green Mid-Century Modern Six Vintage Dining Chairs, 1950s, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern set of six green vintage dining chairs or chairs, which were designed and manufactured in Vienna, Austria, 1950s. The stable and comfortable dining chairs stand o...
Beech, Plywood
$17,700 / set
H 36 in W 19.25 in D 21.75 in
French Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs Hand-Made in France Armchair Available
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
French Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs Hand-Made in France Armchairs are available. Our listing shows a set of six handmade French Louis XVI dining chairs. We had been looking forever ...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Set of Twelve Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of twelve Swedish dining chairs crafted in the Louis XVI Gustavian taste. The chairs feature beech frames that have been painted or glazed with an intentionally distressed and faded patina to mimic age. The grey painted frames have a sculptural flared back ending with a scroll. The generous seats have carved rosettes on the front apron corners and decorative red accents throughout the frames. The seats are supported by fluted, tapered legs. The chairs have been recently reupholstered in a neutral muslin style fabric. The chairs are sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. Sold as a set of twelve chairs. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Beech
Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Cane Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite set of six Swedish painted dining chairs crafted in the Gustavian Louis XVI taste. The chairs feature a distinctive square back with a woven cane inset. The beech frames have a painted or glazed finish with an intentionally faded patina to mimic age. The grey painted frames have subtle scarlet accents around the seat apron and neoclassical swag motifs on the legs. The generous seats are newly upholstered with an off-white fabric that compliments the painted frames. The chairs are sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The molded frames have intricate details and dot pattern designs around the back and seat. Classic Gustavian style and profile with a desirable aged patina on the finish. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Cane, Beech
Set of Six Queen Anne Style Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Six Queen Anne Style Walnut Dining Chairs. Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and 40.5" in height. Seat height is 19".
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 38 in W 20.25 in D 24 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Spider Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of petite French Regency Louis XVI or Gustavian style spider back side chairs or dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Carved wood frames in distressed ...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 38 in W 20.25 in D 24 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Spider Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six petite French Regency Louis XVI or Gustavian style spider back dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Carv...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 36.25 in W 18.25 in D 21 in
Set 6 Widdicomb Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Balloon Back Dining Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of dining chairs that accurately reproduce the iconic Maison Jansen Balloon Back dining chair. These are made by John Widdicomb, one of America's finest furnit...
Walnut
John Widdicomb Regency Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six Regency or Neoclassical style dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved mahogany frames, with gold gilt details, and custom uph...
Upholstery, Mahogany
John Widdicomb Regency Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four Regency or Neoclassical style dining chairs. This listing is for a set of four side chairs. By John Widdicomb USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved mahoga...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 37.5 in W 23 in D 24 in
Set of 10 John Widdicomb Neoclassical Style Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 10 John Widdicomb Neoclassical Style Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs
Mahogany
Sold
H 38.25 in W 19.5 in D 22.5 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Solid sculpted walnut frames, with caned seat backs and teal vinyl upholstered seats. M...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 36.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Set of Five John Widdicomb Dining / Side Chairs, Art Deco, Gold Leaf, Purple
By John Widdicomb
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of Five John Widdicomb Dining / Side Chairs, Art Deco, Gold Leaf, Purple Five American midcentury or Deco Style dining / side chairs having cream frames with purple velvet fa...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 35 in W 22.5 in D 18.5 in
Ten Burl + Cane Parsons Dining Chairs, Rare Widdicomb Set of 10 Organic Modern
By John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co., Milo Baughman, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Decatur, GA
Exquisite set of TEN (10) burled ash and cane Parsons style dining chairs by John Widdicomb, circa 1950s. This set is unique on the market. It includes eight (8) side chairs and two ...
Chenille, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Burl
Sold
H 33 in W 24 in D 21 in
Widdicomb Solid Walnut New Alcantera Upholstery Dining Game Table Chairs Mint!
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Widdicomb solid walnut new Alcantera upholstery dining game table barrel shape chairs mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 22.5 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood & Cane Parsons Dining Chairs by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing set of 6 parsons dining chairs by John Widdicomb. Features a Burl veneer through out the frame of the chairs with a cane back.
Cane, Burl
Sold
H 38.5 in W 19 in D 24.5 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Parsons Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern Parsons dining chairs By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1970s Walnut frames, with colorful patchwork tufted upholstery. Measures: Sid...
Upholstery, Walnut