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 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Stool for Saridis of Athens, ca. 1961
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and exquisite early example of the Klismos stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens. This iconic piece draws directly from the classical Greek form that ...
Leather, Walnut
$2,693 / item
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbons Ottoman, Widdicomb 1950's
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in London, GB
Foot stool of ottoman by the legendary T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. U.S.A., Widdicomb Furniture Co, circa 1955, United States. Streamlined solid walnut frame fully refinished and newly re...
Wool, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Stool by Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Highland, IN
Typical of Robsjohn-Gibbings' refined aesthetic, this stool is elegant and sexy, with graceful lines. The base is finished in black lacquer and topped with a seat upholstered in a ch...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$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
$12,000
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
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
$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
$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
$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
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Lounge Chair for Widdicomb (UK / U.S.A)
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Lounge Chair for Widdicomb (UK/U.S.A)This exquisite slipper lounge chair, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, embodies mid-century elegan...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Middlesex, NJ
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
Upholstery, 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
$3,360
H 30.5 in W 24 in D 27 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 'Model 1601' Lounge Chair for Widdicomb, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning lounge chair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb in the mid 1950s in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This uncommon chair features a beautifully sculpted f...
Velvet, Walnut
Modern Lounge Chair by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modern Lounge Chair, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950's. This piece is currently being refinished and reupholstered. The price noted in the listing includ...
Upholstery, Wood
$8,800
H 31 in W 26 in D 31.5 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Lounge Chair, Widdicomb United Kingdom / USA, c. 1955
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Lounge Chair, Widdicomb United Kingdom / USA, c. 1955 Model 1720, bleached walnut, woven canvas webbing with replaced cushions in Great Plains wool boucle fabr...
Bouclé, Cotton, Walnut
T H Robsjohn Gibbings stool saber legs for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and elegant stool with a traditional saber legs by the well known Designer Robsjohn Gibbings .Unsigned
Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Stool, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and white fabric stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. All upholste...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 18.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Set of Stools by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in Cognac Leather, C. 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Vintage Sabre Leg Stools, circa 1950s. Meticulously restored walnut frames exude warmth, while reupholstered cogna...
Leather, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Rare Strap Stool for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare strap stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. This is model 1730. It has solid brass legs, and the original canvas webbing seat. A very unique and...
Brass
Pair TH Robsjohn Gibbings Brass Leg Webbed Stools Strap Benches 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Troy, MI
A rare pair of model 1730 benches designed by TH Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb 1950s Sculpted walnut frames with cotton webbing on solid brass splayed legs Original patina with la...
Brass
Sold
H 19.5 in W 26.5 in D 19.5 in
Elm and Boucle Upholstered Stool by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, c. 1960
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York City, NY
Large, elegant stool with sculptural legs designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. In great condition; the wood has a warm tone and lovely patina. Very good vintage condition; newly upho...
Bouclé, Elm
Sabre Leg Walnut Stool by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, C. 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Vintage Stool, circa 1950s. Crafted from rich walnut, this stool has been meticulously restored to its original glory, highlighting the timeless ...
Mohair, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Stools, Brass, Walnut, Cotton, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cotton, brass, and walnut stools, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s.
Brass
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Stool or Ottoman
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant splayed leg stool or ottoman, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This stool is currently being reuphols...
Upholstery, Walnut
Terrance Robsjohn Gibbings Stool from Widdicomb Furniture Co
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn - Gibbings for Widdicomb in the early 1950s. The stool is all original with two original tags on the bottom, one tag dates this particular s...
Fabric, Wood
X Base Bench by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare maple X base bench / stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Refinished and reupholstered in a silk velvet.
Maple
Sold
H 17.33 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Pair of Neonakis "Archaic" Stools c.1980 in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in London, GB
This pair of 'Archaic' stools have an artisanal aesthetic, combined with classical techniques and design. Made by Stravos Neonakis of Athens c. 1980, in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn...
Wood