British-born designer, interior decorator and author T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings was one of the great American tastemakers in the middle decades of the 20th century. Much like Edward Wormley, Robsjohn-Gibbings was a design classicist by education and inclination, but he would come to create some of the most gracious and livable modern furnishings of the era.
Robsjohn-Gibbings studied architecture at the University of London, then held various jobs that included designing décors for passenger liners and working as the art director of a film studio. In the early 1930s, while employed by the upper-crust interior designer Charles J. Duveen, Robsjohn-Gibbings experienced an epiphany during a visit to the British Museum.
Examining the furniture depicted on ancient Greek ceramics — lithe stools and klismos chairs — he realized that he had found a design touchstone. By 1936, Robsjohn-Gibbings had moved to New York and set up a showroom on Madison Avenue for his modern reinterpretations of Classical Greek designs. Aided by contacts he’d developed while working with Duveen, he quickly established a clientele that included Elizabeth Arden, Doris Duke and Thelma Chrysler Foy.
Through his writings for magazines and books, Robsjohn-Gibbings earned a public following and was established as an urbane arbiter of taste. From 1943 to 1956, he produced an understated line of modernist furnishings for Widdicomb, which included one of the icons of the period: the tiered, biomorphic Mesa coffee table (1951). Robsjohn-Gibbings moved to Athens, Greece, in 1966, and created a new line of antiquity-inspired pieces for the firm Saridis. The series turned out to be his swan song.
Collectors’ interest in Robsjohn-Gibbings was reignited in the 1980s when the 200-plus pieces from his 1936–38 commission for the Bel-Air estate of Los Angeles socialite Hilda Boldt Weber — pared-down neoclassical pieces rendered in blond wood (with the occasional flourish) — came on the market. (Up until then, the collection had remained in the house, despite its having changed hands several times.)
But his work for Widdicomb remains his most widely known, appreciated for its elegance and generous proportions. Robsjohn-Gibbings despised the stern aesthetic associated with his Bauhaus contemporaries, and a keynote of his modernist pieces is that they have no sharp angles. His chair and sofa frames, table legs and even many cabinets feature softly contoured edges. In whatever style he designed, Robsjohn-Gibbings was guided by simplicity and timelessness. He wanted his furniture to be lived with happily.
Find antique T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings coffee tables, dining tables, credenzas and other furniture on 1stDibs.
TH Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Daybed for Widdicomb, USA 1960s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
A TH Robsjohn-Gibbings daybed from his collaboration with John Widdicomb in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This line was a modern take on many classic designs...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings White Lacquered Walnut Daybed New Abstract Upholstery
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings white lacquered walnut daybed new abstract linen like fabric upholstery. Tufted with square buttons. Stunning looking piece.
Upholstery, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Armchair, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and off-white fabric armchair or side chair designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fa...
Fabric, Walnut
Upholstered Daybed Chaise Longues
Located in Sheffield, MA
Graceful and inviting, the recamier chaise with arched back and rolled arm. The fainting couch is upholstered but it does show some ware. Although made in the Victorian period, it ...
Upholstery
$8,960
H 25.99 in W 80.71 in D 53.15 in
Monumental French Brutalist Walnut Daybed, Sculptural with Bouclé Upholstery.
Located in Almelo, NL
Monumental French Brutalist Walnut Daybed, Sculptural with Teddy Bouclé Upholstery, France, 1950s A rare and commanding piece of mid-century design, this monumental French Brutalist daybed...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,800
H 27.56 in W 37.6 in D 76.97 in
Daybed 'Arielle' by Dick Cordemeijer for Auping 1954, New Upholstery
By Auping, Dick Cordemeijer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
The Arielle daybed is often misattributed to Wim Rietveld but is actually by the hand of Dick Cordemeijer who started at Auping in 1953 and was responsible for their famous 'Cleopatr...
Metal, Steel
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Sofa, Walnut, Canvas, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, beige canvas webbing and brown velvet sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. 16” seat hei...
Canvas, Velvet, Walnut
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
$8,900
H 39.75 in W 89.5 in D 29 in
French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 19th century French Directoire period chaise longue or daybed in walnut. The walnut has a wonderful patina and striking grai...
Walnut
$6,000
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 26 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings / Widdicomb Beige Fabric Upholstered Walnut Slipper
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century slipper / side chair with beige fabric upholstery and a walnut frame resting on four gently curved and tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR WIDDICOMB)(Similar pieces...
Fabric, Walnut, Wood, Upholstery
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Middlesex, NJ
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
Upholstery, Walnut
$11,044 / item
H 21.66 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Minho Daybed, Wool, Walnut, Faux Fur, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Minho Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditional furniture design. Inspired by the flowing curves of the Minho River, its sweeping lines and sculptural silhouette evoke a sense of movement and elegance. The integrated side table enhances its functionality, making it a statement piece in any space. A favorite among designers, the Minho daybed seamlessly blends artistry and craftsmanship, offering timeless sophistication for contemporary interiors. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Minho Daybed can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. For U.S. clients, we can handle all customs clearance, cover duties, and offer white-glove service as well upon request. The Minho chaise longue...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
$25,000
H 29 in W 81 in D 33 in
Rare T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Bleached Walnut & Vellum Strap Sofa Settee
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare, likely custom ordered Sofa or Settee, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings with a bleached Walnut frame and Vellum Strapping. Stunning, elegant neo-classical design. One long ...
Walnut
$9,003 / item
H 21.66 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Minho Daybed, DEDAR Velvet, Walnut, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Minho Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditional furniture design. Inspired by the flowing curves of the Minho River, its sweeping lines and sculptural silhouette evoke a sense of movement and elegance. The integrated side table enhances its functionality, making it a statement piece in any space. A favorite among designers, the Minho daybed seamlessly blends artistry and craftsmanship, offering timeless sophistication for contemporary interiors. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Minho Daybed can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. For U.S. clients, we can handle all customs clearance, cover duties, and offer white-glove service as well upon request. The Minho chaise longue...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Walnut Daybed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, C. 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Modern daybed or coffee table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950-1959. This multifunctional beauty serves as a daybed/bench as well as a coffee ...
Twill, Walnut
Rare T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Strap Bench
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A truly rare bench designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. This is one of the more iconic series that he designed and the Greek influence is strong and welcomed. A very org...
Wood
Daybed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in Goat Hair and Walnut
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and stylish daybed for living room or bedroom by American designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings from the 1950s. The frame of the magnificent daybed is made of walnut wood. The feet...
Fur, Walnut
Sold
H 15 in W 74 in L 15 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Strap Daybed, Walnut and Knoll Bouclé
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare daybed designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, made in 1952. Reupholstered in Knoll “Smoke” Bouclé. Organic design lends itself well to a variety of interiors incl...
Bouclé, Canvas, Walnut
Sold
H 33.86 in W 61.42 in D 25.6 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Midcentury Chaise Lounge for Widdicomb, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant chaise lounge designed by American designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Co., circa 1955. Impeccable finishes. The chaise lounge have been restored. Its co...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 17.33 in W 66.93 in D 29.14 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Midcentury DayBed in Velvet and Wood, Restored, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Milano, IT
Daybed designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1950. The bench has been restored and covered in yellow velvet with button insertion. The structure of the bench is in walnut. The be...
Velvet, Wood
Rare T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Daybed
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb daybed, boat shaped upholstered form on plinth tapered legs and tapered wood surround. Shown in original finish with older reupholstery. Pr...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Chaise Lounge for Widdicomb, circa 1955
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings chaise lounge for Widdicomb, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt Boucle fabric.
Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 14 in W 76 in D 30 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Daybed, walnut, fabric, Canvas, Widdicomb, America, 1950
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A daybed by Terence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, circa 1950. Model number "1715-7-3" In his typical fashion, Robsjohn-Gibbings blends a moder...
Fabric, Canvas, Walnut
Chaise Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A chaise longue by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Restored and upholstered in Maharam wool.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Daybed
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant daybed, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This daybed is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. The p...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Walnut Daybeds Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of daybeds designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb. Bleached Walnut frames newly upholstered in a cotton blend fabric.