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.
Mid Century Modern Walnut 9-Drawer Lowboy Dresser by Widdicomb, c1960s
By John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Exceptional mid century modern walnut lowboy dresser by Widdicomb, dating to the 1960s. This beautifully crafted piece showcases the refined design and uncompromising quality that ma...
Walnut
Widdicomb Solid Cherry 9 Drawers Serpentine Front Country French Dresser MINT!
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb Solid Cherry 9 Drawers Serpentine Front Country French Dresser MINT!
Cherry
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Six-Drawer Dresser
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style six-drawer dresser or credenza Designed by Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered carved solid cher...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Dresser, 1960s
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with original rosewood and aluminum...
Aluminum
Gorgeous John Widdicomb Asian Influenced Tall Dresser Mid-century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This 5 drawer dresser is a fine example of the level of craftsmanship and the standards of the John Widdicomb Furniture Company. This piece is made of solid wood, using dovetail, and...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Green Lacquered Dresser or Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Regency Louis XVI style twelve-drawer triple dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Green lacquered carved fruit wood, with original brass ha...
Brass
John Widdicomb Georgian Green Lacquered Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style eight-drawer double dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s...
Brass
John Widdicomb Campaign Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Campaign Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 76 wide x 19 deep x 31.25 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Dresser has Area of Finis...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Green Lacquered Triple Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser, credenza, or chest of drawers By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Green lacquered solid cherry wood, with origi...
Brass
MidCentury Dale Ford John Widdicomb Triple Dresser
By John Widdicomb, Dale Ford
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Dresser c. 1960s. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship designed by Dale Ford for the John Widdicomb Company. This beautiful...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by John Widdicomb, Brass Pulls, USA
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury classically styled 9-drawer dark brown stained walnut dresser with brushed brass inset pulls and sabots. Excellent restored condition. Signed. On display at 200 Lexington...
Brass
John Widdicomb Chippendale Walnut Block Front Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Chippendale style four-drawer block front dresser chest or commode By John Widdicomb USA, circa 1960s Solid walnut, with origin...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Commode or Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style commode or dresser chest By John Widdicomb USA, late 20th century Carved solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Drawers...
Brass
John Widdicomb MCM Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set Each of the two cabinets in this set is 36 wide x 19 deep x 30.5 in...
Brass
Burl Wood Large 74" Tall Gentelman's Chest Dresser High Boy Campaign Style MINT!
By John Widdicomb, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Widdicomb Burl Wood Large 74" Tall Gentelman's Chest Dresser High Boy Double Doors cabinet Campaign Style MINT!
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Gentleman's Chest, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with original rosewood and al...
Aluminum
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern 10 Drawer Blonde Mahogany Large Dresser Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern 10 Drawer Blonde Mahogany Large Dresser Chest. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 42" H x 71" W x 20" D.
Mahogany
Mid Century Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Mid Century John Stuart for John Widdicomb brass star shape pulls 9 drawers long dresser or credenza. Fantastic detail with contrasting brutal design, original star pulls and tapered...
Brass
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Campaign Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign five-drawer highboy dresser By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid cherry wood, with original brass hardwa...
Brass
Dale Ford For John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Dresser Walnut Mid-Century Modern
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Chest of drawers designed by Dale Ford for John Widdicomb. Features 3 drawers for lots of storage space. Makers Brandmark inside the drawers. F-589-335
Walnut
Lovely John Widdicomb Tall Dresser With Tamboured Doors Mid-Century
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous signed piece of John Widdicomb tall dresser with tamboured doors. This dresser is in gorgeous condition with it original finish. I l...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern "Accordion" Doors Dresser by John Widdicomb Brass Pulls
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality folding doors dresser or credenza by John Widdicomb.
Cherry
John Widdicomb Louis XV Mahogany Highboy Dresser, Circa 1940s
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style serpentine front six-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Solid carved...
Brass
Gibbings Widdicomb Ebonized Black Lacquer 3 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser Mint!
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings Widdicomb ebonized black lacquer 3 drawers bachelor chest dresser mint!
Walnut
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, James Mont, John Widdicomb, Harvey Probber, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
Brass
Vintage John Widdicomb Lingerie Chest/Highboy, 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Country French highboy designed by John Widdicomb, it has the designer mark in the first drawer. It has seven drawers that work good, they com...
Wood
John Widdicomb Vintage Burled Bachelor Chests, a Pair
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary in every way. Uber Rare 1950’s Burled Wood Bachelor Chests from John Widdicomb. Condition Disclosure: Please understand nearly all of our inventory is comprised of ra...
Wood
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Tambour Door Gentleman's Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern tambour door gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Sculpted walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 4...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Dresser, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style twelve-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1940s Carved solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware. ...
Brass
John Widdicomb Empire-Style Three-Drawer Marble-Top Chest, Circa 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A handsome Empire-style chest of drawers by John Widdicomb Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, combining a rectangular white marble top within a brass gallery rail above a case of book-matc...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Mid Century Modern Burl Walnut John Widdicomb 9 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Burl Walnut John Widdicomb 9 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza MINT!
Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Cherry Dresser by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century solid Cherry wood dresser custom stained updatred in a dark Sapphire Midnight Blue. The brass hardware has been professionally up...
Brass
Persian Walnut Dresser by Bert England for John Widdicomb
By Bert England, John Widdicomb
Located in Hanover, MA
Luxurious nine drawer dresser in Persian walnut designed by Bert England for the John Widdicomb's Orientation Group. End doors with chunky s...
Brass
Pair Gibbings for Widdicomb Ebonized Black Lacquer Night Stands End Tables Mint
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Gibbings for Widdicomb ebonised black lacquer night stands end tables mint!
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century modern highboy dresser crafted in rich walnut by John Widdicomb. Features clean architectural lines, elegant brass handles, and spacious drawers—an exceptional ...
Brass
Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest Narrow Dresser Mint
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings For Widdicomb black lacquer 3 drawer bachelor chest narrow dresser mint.
Walnut
Sliding Doors Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Cabinet
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Concealed by sliding doors deeps drawers chest of drawers cabinet by John Widdicomb.
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT. Decorative forged brass window grills have hinges and can be opened to maintain and clean the glass.
Brass
Widdicomb Faux Finish 3 Drawer Long Sofa Console Table Credenza W/ Shelf Mint!
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb Faux Finish 3 Drawer Long Sofa Console Table Credenza Shelf MINT!
Walnut
Widdicomb Solid Cherry Brass Pulls Hardware Block Front High Chest Dresser Mint!
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb solid cherry brass pulls hardware block front high chest dresser mint! 6 drawers Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest by John Widdicomb.
Brass