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 Nightstands by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, 1960s
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
The pair of vintage nightstands, shown here, are designer by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for John Widdicomb. Finished in an ebony finish, each nightstand features one large bottom drawer...
Wood
$3,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Night Stands Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of John Widdicomb Asian-style nightstands/end tables. We love that the backs are also finished allowing them to be used in the living room as end tables. They measure 2...
Brass
John Widdicomb Biomorphic Coffee Table ca' 1950's
By John Widdicomb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual coffee table by John Widdicomb ca' 1950's. Biomorphic design with original glass and sculpted organic base.
Glass, Cherry
Widdicomb Marble Top Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950's marble top coffee table made by John Widdicomb. Round black marble top has white and hints of pink through out. Painted fin legged wood base is black. Beautiful vintage table.
Marble
Very Fine John Widdicomb Lacquer Painted Decorated Console Sofa Table MINT
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine John Widdicomb Lacquer Painted Decorated Console Sofa Table MINT
Lacquer
John Widdicomb French Regency Walnut Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style extension dining table By John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Beautiful carved walnut, with inlaid diamond parquetry design on top. Me...
Walnut
$1,295Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Wm A Berkey John Widdicomb Olive Wood Triangle Pedestal End Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century William A. Berkey / John Widdicomb Olive wood side / end / accent table. Rounded triangular top with pedestal base and onion shaped feet. Dimensions: 16.75" x 22" (Diam...
Olive
$8,775Sale Price|35% Off
Walnut Two Pedestal Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By John Widdicomb
Located in Huntington, NY
A John Widdicomb 2 pedestal Walnut Dining Table with 3 leaves, original storage create & table pads Measures: Total length with 3 lea...
Walnut
John Widdicomb Art Deco Walnut and Burl Wood Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous modern Art Deco walnut and burl wood dining table, breakfast table, center table, or library table By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 60"W x 40"D x 30.25"H. ...
Walnut, Burl
Burl Side Drinks Table By Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
A round burl wood side or drinks table by Widdicomb, circa mid-20th century, USA. Table has a brown burl veneer wood top with beautiful design, and butter hue center with a tri-foot ...
Wood, Burl, Paint
John Widdicomb Solid Walnut Oak Interior Travertine Top End Table Stand
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern superb quality one drawer and shelf solid walnut end side table Stand with travertine top NY John Widdicomb.
Travertine
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
John Widdicomb Bar Cart by Dale Ford with Expanding Top
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This striking John Widdicomb bar cart or serving cart has several great features: a terrific graphic quality with a dynamic composition of clear and...
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Provincial Cherry Wood Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial solid cherry wood drop leaf extension dining table By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Measures: 22"W x 40"D x 29....
Cherry
John Widdicomb Biedermeier Style Brass Mounted Mahogany Side Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Germantown, MD
A like new late 20th Century John Widdicomb Biedermeier Style Brass Mounted Mahogany Side Table. Measures 30.5" in width , 23" on depth, 28.25" in height.
Brass
Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Faux Tortoiseshell Chinoiserie Dining Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Faux Tortoiseshell Chinoiserie Dining Table w...
Wood, Lacquer
John Widdicomb Modernist Burl Wood Extension Table, Circa 1970s
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century Modern burled olive or elm wood Parsons extension dining table By John Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, Circa 1970s, metal tag on verso. This wonderful and extre...
Elm, Olive
Iconic Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Tables from John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
Ultra Rare Chinese Chippendale Side Table with pullouts on both sides. We have a pair, priced individually. Extremely well cared for. Hand Carving and Hand Painted.
Lacquer
Mid Century end table and cabinet door
By John Widdicomb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful John Widdicomb mid-century walnut nightstand or end table. This table is beautifully restored and is sleek and practical.
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Nightstands, Circa 1940s
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century French Provincial Louis XV style nightstands or end tables By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Solid cherry wood, with ...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Regency Walnut Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of mid-century French Regency nightstands By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Carved walnut, with original brass hardw...
Brass
John Widdicomb 2 Tier Drop Leaf Walnut Bookmatched Top Accent Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Germantown, MD
Two Tier John Widdicomb drop leaf walnut bookmtached veneer top accent table side table. Table Measures 25"W x 27D" x 22"H with Leafs extended. 21"W x 27"D x 22"H with leafs dropped...
Hardwood, Walnut
Floating Walnut Top Travertine Insert Tapered legs Rectangle Coffee Table MINT!
By John Widdicomb, Paul McCobb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Floating Walnut Top Travertine Insert Tapered legs Rectangle Coffee Table MINT!
Travertine
$1,123Sale Price|20% Off
Rob Jhon Gibbings for Widdicomb Round Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb, Robs Johns Gibbons
Located in Milano, IT
Black painted wood coffee table made by Rob Jhon Gibbings for Widdicomb from the 1950s. The lines are clean and essential. The coffee table has a round shape with a very elegant bla...
Wood
John Widdicomb Italian Provincial Parquetry Top Two-Tier Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Provincial style two-tier coffee or cocktail table By John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood parquetry, and brass sabots. Measur...
Brass
Walnut Boat Shape Double Tripod Bases One Extension Leaf Board Dining Table MINT
By John Widdicomb, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walnut Boat Shape Double Tripod Bases One Extension Leaf Board Dining Table MINT 1 x 12in with an extended table length of 76in
Brass
Wonderful Widdicomb Petite Drop Leaf Dining Table 4 Leaves Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Widdicomb petite drop leaf dining table with 4 leaves. This table is fabulous because of its extra small size when all the leaves are out an...
Maple
Widdicomb Walnut Dining Table w/ Two Extension Boards Leaves Gibbings era
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid mid century modern medium walnut dining table by Widdicomb. Two 18" extension leafs.
Walnut
John Widdicomb Cream Goatskin Side Table On Canted Brass Legs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
An unusual end table design from John Widdicomb, this lacquered goatskin finish case is mounted atop a patinated brass, canted corner base. The slim...
Brass
John Widdicomb Two-Tier Cocktail Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish midcentury table features sculpted two tier construction and features a rich natural finish. Original manufacturer's label on piece, please confirm item location (NY or ...
Walnut
Fine Carved Wood Base Marble Top 31” Diameter Gueridon Center Table Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Carved Wood Base Marble Top 31” Diameter Gueridon Center Table Widdicomb
Marble
Three-Drawer White Lacquer Stand by Widdicomb
By Tommi Parzinger, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Stand end table by John Widdicomb in white lacquer. Solid brass hardware.
Hardwood
1970s 12.5ft John Widdicomb Conference Table in Walnut with Chromed Steel Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Long Conference Table, designed by John Widdicomb and produced and distributed by Steelcase. The top is walnut and legs are chromed steel. Some refer to the form of the top...
Steel
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
John Widdicomb Walnut Finish Extension Dining Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Miami, FL
1950 Vintage John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern walnut finish extension table with four leaves. Four leaves each 13.5 inches wide. Max table length is 93.75 inches. Seats eight Peopl...
Walnut
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
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 Hexagon Light Walnut Top Center Lamp Side Table Stand Espresso Base
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb Hexagon light walnut top center lamp side table stand espresso base.
Walnut
John Widdicomb Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Widdicomb walnut coffee table.
Glass, Walnut