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.
Elegant T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Sideboard, Rattan & Brass Handles
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rarely seen elegant T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb sideboard or dresser. Completely restored cabinet to original color shown. Walnut cabinet with center drawers with rattan cir...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Two Door Credenza for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Credenza by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, manufactured by Widdicomb c.1950s USA. This beautiful walnut credenza features two cabinet doors revealing three drawers on one side and three shel...
Walnut
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Walnut Colosseum Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, "Colosseum" Collection USA, 1950s Beautiful book-matched wal...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Rare Sideboard or Cabinet in Walnut, Rattan and Brass
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb rare 1950s sideboard or cabinet in rich deep walnut including central drawers with original circular woven rattan handles and brass end caps, cab...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers, C. 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
One of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings classics, designed for The Widdicomb Furniture Company, circa 1950-1950. This walnut chest of drawers or highboy features five large drawers providing a...
Nickel
$2,800Sale Price|26% Off
H 38.75 in W 34 in D 21.5 in
Elegant Modern Chest Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Modern Chest designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950's. It has been refinished in a deep brown lacquer and the silver plated metal handles have...
Metal
$12,499
H 44.5 in W 67 in D 20 in
Restored T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb 12-Drawer Dresser Blue/Mahogany
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Foskett & John Stewart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by American design legend T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, this dresser was made by Widdicomb for distribution by John Stuart Inc. Typical of pieces by these groups, the constructio...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Dresser, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A rare walnut dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s.
Walnut
$15,000
H 51.25 in W 69.25 in D 8.25 in
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Walnut Bookcase or Display Cabinet, Newly Refinished
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase or display cabinet By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, "Colosseum" Collection USA, 1950s Beautiful sculpted wal...
Glass, Walnut
$2,750
H 32.25 in W 54 in D 19.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Walnut Sideboard by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dresser
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful minimalist dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Features waterfall edges, book matched walnut, and great edge details. The top drawers have partitions ...
Walnut
$14,000
H 70 in W 54 in D 20.25 in
Original T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Rectilinear Cabinet Credenza for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Miami, FL
Rare cabinet by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Signed with label on drawer. The doors have a rectilineal design achieved by the use of thin triangular molding. Classic propor...
Brass
$4,500
H 29.25 in W 72 in D 18 in
Restored 1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza / Sideboard by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Rare and refinished 1960s Directional walnut buffet / credenza with sculpted pulls by Calvin. The black inlay around each cabinet door – reminiscent of Drexel’s Declaration collectio...
Walnut
Midcentury Walnut Dresser, by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury walnut dresser, featuring six deep drawers and spear-shaped carved walnut pulls with nickel-tipped ends. Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for The Widdicomb Furniture...
Walnut
Desk by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Sorrel Walnut
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1957 Desk designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Sorrel finish (walnut). Offers a bank of divided storage at left, the lowest of which is file size; a pull out writ...
Walnut
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 69 in D 17 in
Wonderful Hermes Orange T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Credenza Midcentury
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful credenza designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. It has a low slung design, making it perfect as a media cabinet for a flat screen TV. The three door...
Wood
Extraordinary T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Chest, Widdicomb-1955
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning 3-drawer chest by designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. With its minimalist case, brass legs and cane-wrapped pulls this design has become an icon of mid century modern design...
Brass
$4,995
H 32 in W 70.5 in D 21.25 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Widdicomb Walnut Saber Klismos Leg Six Drawer Dresser
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A stunning six drawer dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture Company. I cannot say enough about the quality of the workmanship of this piece, complex ...
Metal
$9,950
H 31 in W 48 in D 20 in
Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning example of a rare multipurpose case piece by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. Expertly crafted walnut case construction with elegant lines and detail. Wo...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Sideboard, Walnut, USA, 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Stamford, CT
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Widdicomb, Mid-Century Modern, Sideboard or Credenza, Walnut, USA, 1960s A beautifully refinished sideboard designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings and produced b...
Walnut
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Cabinet for Widdicomb, 1950's
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Cabinet for Widdicomb, 1950's This elegant cabinet, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, seamlessly marries austere design with form and function...
Ash
Sold
H 32 in W 80.5 in D 21.5 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Saber Leg Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut saber leg sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Measures: 80.5"W x 21.5"D x 32"H...
Walnut
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H 34.25 in W 72.13 in D 20.13 in
Mid Century Ming Sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted honey toned mahogany three door Ming sideboard or credenza , to each side door there is one adjustable shelve and to the center section four drawers , the top and...
Mahogany
Walnut Cabinet/Sideboard by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful sideboard cabinet designed and manufactured in the 1950s by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings. The piece has 3 large drawers and two side cubbies for extra storage.Great design with ...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 72 in D 20 in
'Ming' Sideboard / Credenza by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant fully restored 'Ming' sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (USA) features gorgeous walnut grain with large brass handles. The center cabinet has four intern...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Three-Bay Sideboard, c 1950, Signed
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant fully restored three-bay sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (USA) features gorgeous walnut grain with simple yet refined style and design. Signed with its...
Wood
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H 35.44 in W 118.12 in D 18.9 in
Robsjohn Gibbings Japanese Oak Credenza / Sideboard, George Nakashima, 1960's
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Nakashima; Mid-Century Modern; Robsjohn Gibbings; Japanese; Oak Credenza; 1960s; George Nakashima Influenced this sideboard has been made in Japan in the 1960s. Robsjohn Gibbings...
Oak
Sold
H 30 in W 70 in D 25.5 in
Beautiful 3 drawer Credenza sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Walnut 3 drawer credenza sideboard by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb - Good vintage condition - Shows signs of use. Has 3 center draw...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 'MING' Walnut Credenza
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three door walnut credenza by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, c.1950s, USA. Each door features an exterior functional brass keyhole ...
Brass
Mid Century T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Blonde Maple 3 Door Keyed Credenza
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful blonde maple three door 'MING' credenza sideboard with oversized surface and sculptural, tapered legs designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Circa 1950. The left and r...
Brass
Sold
H 32.25 in W 67.75 in D 21.5 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sideboard or Cabinet in Walnut, Rattan and Brass
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb rare 1950s sideboard or cabinet in rich deep walnut including central drawers with original circular woven rattan handles and brass end caps, cab...
Brass
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Blonde Lowboy Dresser
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century blonde lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 68 wide x 21.5 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
Wood
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Sideboard
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hanover, MA
American classical modern buffet server cabinet designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Co. in figured walnut with contrasting maple moldings. Original label in top cen...
Maple, Walnut
Sold
H 34 in W 72 in D 20 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquered Sideboard, Newly Refinished
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency chinoiserie "Ming" sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Black lacquered...
Brass