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.
Early Matching Pair, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chairs for Saridis of Athens
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptional pair of early Klismos chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, crafted in dark-stained walnut and retaining their original character and authenticity throu...
Leather, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis Klismos Chairs in Walnut with Leather Thongs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos chair for Saridis of Athens, Greece in Greek walnut and leather woven seats. This chair was part of the collection he designed for Saridis of Athens in 1961, inspired by the drawings he saw on ancient Greek vases. The Klismos chairs features a graceful curving back and sable curved legs. The woven seat is made of leather straps / thongs which are tight around the walnut frame. The design beholds Robsjohn-Gibbings’ philosophy of furniture design that is independent of time. Manufacturer's metal label DESIGNED BY T.H.ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS / Manufactured by saridis of athens. Serial # 9544 &. Please note that the item has been lightly restored by restoration atelier. Some signs of age and use are still visible. This chair model is notably documented on the cover of "Furniture of Classical Greece," written by Robsjohn-Gibbings and Carlton W. Pullin in 1963. We love what Pilar Viladas said about this iconic design in the New York Times in 2010: "T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings’s Klismos chair looks ancient and modern at the same time — because it is. Based on ancient Greek models, which had been widely copied in the 18th and 19th century, Robsjohn-Gibbings’s version made the klismos shape famous again in the 20th century. Obsessed with its elegant lines, he designed versions of the chair throughout his career, but the most recent examples have been made by Saridis in Athens since the early 1960s, when the designer met the company’s owners and settled in the Greek capital. Its simple but opulent curves hint at sleek penthouses with butlers who serve cocktails on the terrace at sunset. (Indeed, Robsjohn-Gibbings’s Saridis...
Leather, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Co. Blue Leather Slipper Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century slipper chair with a square walnut frame, upholstered in powder blue leather with a button-tufted seat cushion, resting on four gently curved and tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR WIDDICOMB FURNITURE...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Leather
Sexy Mid Century chairs design by TH Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sexy pair of side chairs design by the iconic Robsjohn Gibbings, the patina is much nicer in person
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings / Widdicomb Tan Fabric Upholstered Walnut Slipper
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century slipper / side chair with textured tan fabric upholstery and a walnut frame resting on four gently curved and tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBI...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Set of 8 T.H Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Ladder Back Woven Seat Dining Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 American Mid-Century dining side chairs with light wooden frames, woven rattan seats, and ladder backs, resting on four dowel legs with stretchers. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS F...
Wood, Rattan
Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings / Widdicomb Black Fabric and Walnut Slipper
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century slipper / side chairs with black fabric upholstery with button tufted detail, and a walnut frame, resting on four gently curved and tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-G...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Ladder Back Side Chair By T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, side chair by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb features a walnut, ladder back frame with upholstered seat in mocha tweed. A great mid century modern chair for...
Fabric, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Beige Fabric & Walnut Slipper Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century slipper / side chair with a walnut frame, square profile, and beige fabric upholstery, resting on four slightly tapered dowel legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR W...
Fabric
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Orange Velour and Walnut Slipper Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century slipper / side chair with a walnut frame, square profile, and orange velour upholstery, resting on four slightly tapered dowel legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Striped Orange Upholstered Walnut Dining
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century dining side chair with horizontally striped multi-tonal orange upholstery and a walnut frame with a curved slat back, resting on four tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBING...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric
$3,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33 in W 23 in D 21 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Set of Six Dining Chairs for Widdicomb, circa 1952
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings set of six walnut spindle back dining chairs for Widdicomb, circa 1952. The chairs are in excellent condition with original upholstery.
Walnut
$14,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37 in W 22 in D 17 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Armchairs Set of Eight, Widdicomb, 1959
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
An extraordinary set of eight of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings sculptural walnut armchairs for Widdicomb originally purchased in 1959. The chairs are in excellent condition newly upholster...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Button Back Arm Chair by Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
This effortlessly elegant and timeless Mid Century Modern chair was realized by the legendary designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in the United States circa 1950. Gibbings was renowned f...
Fabric, 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
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Loveseat By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, slipper loveseat designed by the British architect and furniture designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture Compa...
Upholstery, Walnut
$12,595 / set
H 31 in W 26.5 in D 34 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Leather and Ebonized Wood Slipper Chairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Leather & Ebonized Wood Slipper Lounge Chairs for Widdicomb, a vintage gem exuding timeless grace. Crafted in the 1950s in the United States, t...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Set of 4 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos chairs with sculptural walnut frames, double stretcher bases and newly upholstered.
Fabric, Walnut
Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens
By Saridis, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A sophisticated and sculptural chaise lounge designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, circa 1960s. This exquisite piece reflects the designer’s deep appreciation for...
Leather, Walnut
$2,250 / set
H 30 in W 22 in D 20 in
Klismos Chairs in the Style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Reupholstered Your Fabric
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Pair of Klismos Chairs, in the style of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, unsigned, American, circa 1940s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be com...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,500
H 3.75 in W 14 in D 8.75 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens Greek Walnut Foot Stool Model # 22
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in Lynn, MA
Very rare T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens Greek Walnut Foot Stool Model # 22. The design was taken from the stele of Philotera of the 4th century B.C. in the Archaeologi...
Walnut
On Hold|$9,500 / set
H 30 in W 26 in D 30 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Boucle Lounge Chairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant modern lounge chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in collaboration with the famous Widdicomb Furniture company in the United States during the 1950s. These Mid-Century ...
Bouclé, Foam, Walnut
$2,200
H 34 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchair By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings For Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century Hollywood Regency armchair was designed by English born designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The chair features an eleg...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern t.h. Robsjohn Gibbings Arm Chair - a Pair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Vintage MCM T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Arm Chair is a sleek, sophisticated piece of furniture designed by the renowned British-American designer T.H...
Upholstery, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Side Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and grey beige fabric side chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, USA, 1950s. 19” seat height
Fabric, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Dining Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 6 walnut and off-white fabric dining or side chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1950s. 18.5" seat height Touch ups...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
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
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 10
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb mid century dining chairs - Set of 10 The captains' chair measures: 21 wide x 24 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 25 inch...
Upholstery, Wood
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 10
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb mid century dining chairs - Set of 10 The captains' chair measures: 21 wide x 24 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 25 inch...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 35 in W 20.5 in D 21 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis Klismos Chairs in Walnut with Leather Thongs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in St. Louis, MO
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos chairs for Saridis of Athens, Greece in Greek walnut and leather woven seats. This chairs was part of the collection he designed for Saridis of Athens in 1961, inspired by the drawings he saw on ancient Greek vases. The Klismos chairs features a graceful curving back and sable curved...
Leather, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Side Chairs, a Pair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New Windsor, NY
Gibbings design for Widdicomb. Featuring his curvaceous tapered leg and barrel backs. Circa 1950-60. Beautiful lyrical design. Leather backs and seats. The price is for the pair. ...
Leather, Birch, Maple
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Strap Side Chair for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cotton webbed side chair with solid mahogany sculptural frame and cast brass legs by iconic Mid Century designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture company noted fo...
Mahogany
Set of 4 Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Toned Mahogany Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Stamford, CT
A set of four chairs in purple velvet. Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings.
Mahogany
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Strap Chairs for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of rare dark mahogany strap chairs with the original cotton strapping, tapered cast brass legs and sculptural wood frames. Manufactured by the Widdi...
Wood
Slipper Chair Designed by T H Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish armless slipper, side chair designed by T H Robsjohn Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture Company. This example is in very firm, original, untouched condition, clean...
Upholstery, Walnut