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Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

American

Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.

A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. 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. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.

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. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.

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.

Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
A sofa, model 1678, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his typical fashion, Robsjohn-Gibbings blends a modern expressio...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Chanel back Three-Seat Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Chanel back Three-Seat Sofa in reupholstered in Gray Flannel. Solid oiled walnut legs. Dimensions: 82" wide 30" high 30" deep 22" arm height 18" seat height
Category

1960s American Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Vintage T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Bleached Walnut Sofa for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in East Hampton, NY
Loveseat by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, for Widdicomb. This sofa features rounded original solid bleached walnut wood frame with armrests. The cushions have been newly reupholstered in a ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Sofa, Walnut, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and beige velvet fabric sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Seat height 19.5”
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Canvas, Velvet, Walnut

Exciting T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing for Widdicomb Curved Sculptured Wood Edge Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare T. H. Robsjon-Gibbings for Widdicomb sculptural wooden edge sofa. Just look at that sexy curved teak edge along with tall tapered legs-so well designed! This sofa measures 29" T...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Loveseat for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Loveseat by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, for Widdicomb c.1950s USA. This sofa features rounded stained beech wood frame with armrests. The cushions have been newly reupholstered in a gray ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Rare Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Pawtucket, RI
One of Paul McCobb's final designs, this graceful floating sofa features a symmetrical silhouette on walnut legs. Manufactured by Widdicomb as part of the Symmetric Group. Recently e...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Textile, Walnut

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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Ladder Back Chairs Medium Walnut, Set of Eight, USA, 1950
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Rare Pair of Benches with Gently Curving Legs 1950s
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Single T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Elegant Slipper Chair Walnut Frame
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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Beautiful design by T. H Robsjohn-Gibbings in original finish, with older silk upholstery. Elegant splayed legs on walnut frame, original finish shows minor scuffs. Upholstery shows stains, needs to be updated. From one owner estate, no label, home filled with other Gibbings pieces. This one recently sold...
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dining or Desk Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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Listed is a single classic slat back dining chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Shown in original finish, but includes refinishing in color shown or dark espresso, custom ...
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Walnut

Paul McCobb Shaped Back Sofa
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Paul McCobb shaped back sofa model 3137. Manufactured by Custom Craft, USA. 7” Wood splayed legs. Newly reupholstered in JB Martin pink velvet. Arm he...
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Paul McCobb Shaped Back Sofa
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Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered
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Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dining Chairs
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A complete set of six dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Two armchairs and four sides. A matching dining table is also available. Upholstery is original ...
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Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa
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Midcentury Upholstered Wood Lounge Chair by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Detroit, MI
This beautiful vintage Mid-Century Modern arm chair was designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (English, 1905-1976) for Widdicomb circa 1950. The unique and elegant design features clean, Minimalist lines and gentle curves. The chair is impeccably constructed with a solid wood frame, angled legs and sculptural...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

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Upholstery, Wood

Previously Available Items
Stunning Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb
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One of Paul McCobb's final designs, this graceful floating sofa features a symmetrical silhouette on walnut legs. Manufactured by Widdicomb as part of the Symmetric Group. Possibly r...
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Rare T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Strap Sofa, Model 1711, Widdicomb
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A wonderful, iconic, and rare sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Sofa has a minimalist silhouette while maintaining a sophisticated nature. Here is a rare opportu...
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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An elegant modern piece, newly upholstered with refinished walnut toned base. A classic from Robbsjohn-Gibbings with light khaki linen upholstery.
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa
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H 27 in W 82 in D 32 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Loveseat
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Raleigh, NC
An elegant modern piece, newly upholstered with refinished walnut toned base. A classic from Robbsjohn-Gibbings with light khaki linen upholstery.
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Loveseat
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Loveseat
H 27 in W 56 in D 32 in
Widdicomb Brass and Walnut Sofa by Gibbings Model 1727 circa 1956 Mid Century
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This superbly designed sofa for Widdicomb by T.H. Robjohn-Gibbings is a masterpiece of design. It has had a ground up restoration including being reupholstered in a wonderful white t...
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Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

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Brass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1727 for Widdicomb, circa 1955
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings sofa, Model 1727 for Widdicomb, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored. The upholstery is Maharam Mohair Supreme: Sage.
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Mohair, Walnut

Widdicomb Gondola Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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Rarely seen Widdicomb No. 46 gondola sofa from 1959. Arm height 22-1/4" "Construction and tailoring details usually found in its more expensive furnit...
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Upholstery, Walnut

Widdicomb Gondola Sofa
Widdicomb Gondola Sofa
H 29.5 in W 92 in D 34.5 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa for Widdicomb, circa 1955
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa for Widdicomb, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

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Walnut, Fabric

Rare T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Daybed
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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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...
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Walnut

Pair of Mario Buatta for Widdicomb Chinoiserie textured Silk 3 Cushion Sofas
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Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of Mario Buatta for Widdicomb off-white upholstered sofas in great condition. Black chinoiserie base and feet. Absolutely stun...
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T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Sofa, Bleached Walnut, Beige Fabric, Widdicomb, 1955
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa, model 1678, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his typical fashion, Robsjohn-Gibbings blends a modern expression with the restrained elegance of ancient Greek and Roman furniture...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1727
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings sofa, model 1727.  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas

Materials

Brass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1727
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1727
H 32.25 in W 74 in D 33 in

Widdicomb Furniture Co. sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Widdicomb Furniture Co. sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Widdicomb Furniture Co. sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Widdicomb Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Wisner, and Lawrence Peabody. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $8,750 and can go as high as $29,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,995.
Questions About Widdicomb Furniture Co. Sofas
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    To identify Widdicomb furniture, look for a paper label. On tables, you will usually find it on the underside of the tabletop, while it is typically affixed to the bottoms of seats on chairs. With casegoods, search for the label on the backs or bottoms as well as inside drawers and cabinets. The paper label will identify the maker and may also provide information about the name of the collection and/or the year of production. A certified appraiser or expert antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Widdicomb furniture.

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