Skip to main content

Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

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.

8
to
1
8
8
8
8
6
8
6
1
1
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
3
1
2
2
8
7
4
4
2
8
8
187
350
342
300
292
Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Set of Ten Klismos Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten for Widdicomb, circa 1940
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Carl Malmsten
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most rare set of ten Klismos dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten in 1938 for Widdicomb newly professionally refinished and reupholstered in Holy Hunt Great Outdoors fabric designed for both indoor and outdoor use making it highly durable and resistant to stains or happy spills. This particular Klismos set...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Ten Saber Leg Dining Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ten Saber leg dining room chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (1905-1976) for Widdicomb. Chairs are structurally sound and wood stain is all original. We believe these chairs were reuph...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

T H Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Midcentury Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Countryside, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb midcentury walnut dining chairs - set of 6. Each armless chair measures: 22.25 wide x 20.75 deep x 33.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inch...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Classic Sculptural T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning heavy sculptural chair in near excellent condition.
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Director or Savonarola Style Chairs in Burl Wood with Brass Accents by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous chairs by Widdicomb, burl wood frames, brass accents including stretchers, feet, accents. New upholstery in Romo velvet. Selling as a pair. 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Set of Six Dining Chairs by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 6 dining chairs by noted mid century designer, Robsjohn Gibbings, for Widdicomb Furniture. The set includes 2 arm, and 4 armless chairs...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Ebonized T.H.Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Wmb Slipper Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These stunning classic WMB slipper chairs are a timeless and elegant design by T.H.Robsjohn Gibbings and were manufactured by Widdicomb in the 1950s. This versatile pair could be at ...
Category

20th Century American Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Open Armchairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Restored T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings maple framed open armchairs with new dark chocolate wool upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Maple

Related Items
Set of Ten Chinese Chippendale Dining Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of ten black painted wood Chinese Chippendale dining chairs. Good quality, fine condition. Two armchairs: 25 wide, 21.5 deep, 37 high, ...
Category

1970s Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm Chairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Kansas City, MO
Elegant pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings armchairs.
Category

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

Materials

Cane, Mahogany, Upholstery

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Set of Six Dining Chairs for Widdicomb, circa 1952
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Richard McCarthy for Selrite
By Richard McCarthy, Selrite
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique set of ten dining chairs designed by Richard McCarthy and manufactured by Selrite. The black painted iron against the smooth grain of the wood perfectly embodies the Industrial feel of the era. Consists of eight arm and two armless chairs. The armchairs feature curved wood arms...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Asian Klismos Leg Water Lilly Dining Chairs Set of 8
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description be sure to click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this listing. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of (8) Contemporary Art Deco Klismos Tapered Leg Water Lilly Pattern...
Category

1980s Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cotton

4 T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings For Widdicomb Mahogany Dining Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of 6 dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings and made by Widdicomb. Set includes one armchair and 5 side chairs. Fully refinished. The side chairs measure 22" wide, 1...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Original Hand Carved and Blackened Reclaimed Oak Sculptural Accent or Side Chair
By Rooms Studio
Located in New York, NY
This hand-carved and blackened reclaimed oak chair, designed by Rooms Studio (from their 2018 Wild Minimalism collection), is inspired by the legacy of traditional Georgian craftsmanship. The Sculptural Chair is meticulously handcrafted of ancient wood, and features a diamond shape cut-out on the top rail, which is curved gently, cradling the back, with a round seat and circular cross stretcher. About the Design Studio: Works of Rooms Studio refers to the sculptural forms and abundant materials in juxtaposition with the feminine instincts. Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, the duo behind the Rooms, Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, lean towards preserving the inherited craftsmanship techniques unique to the region. Massive wood and stone objects are hand-crafted using traditional techniques to create raw and symbolic forms often rooted in the designers' childhood memories. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, where the two worlds - Western and Eastern collide, remarkably influenced their design language. Over the years, Rooms has created eight independent collections and collaborations equally memorable and representative of the duo's perpetual mission to bring life to omitted elements of a former life. Through their series of works, Janberidze and Toloraia try to examine the boundaries between the public and private. Experiencing adolescent years in the 90s - a significant decade of cultural and societal shifts - their work is a narrative of personal experiences of womanhood. By contrasting the new feminine monumental shapes with architectural brutality, Rooms challenges the status quo and also bridges the conventional and contemporary design with a confluence of female energy. The work of Rooms Studio has concerned itself with questions of nomenclature since the Tbilisi-based design atelier was co-founded by Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia in 2007. Take, for instance, the studio’s name: in adopting the basic unit of interior space as the title of their practice, Janberidze and Toloraia also emphasized the emotional force of interiority and inner life in determining their creative output. The studio’s largest U.S. exhibition to date, "Distant Symphony," expands upon this impulse to focus inward. The title is again a chief concern—some of the objects included here were designed during the global pandemic, under a regime of forced isolation that made the studio’s typically collective work process untenable. The pieces shown here are the results of Rooms’ search for a way forward. The first room, an antechamber of sorts, evokes the intimate quality of a private home. Shown here are trinkets and personal effects chosen by Janberidze and Toloraia for their emotive qualities; a low background noise emphasizes the climate of urban domesticity. The ensuing gallery space features highlights of Rooms’ recent design output. Here, the subtle scent of organic materials provides a sensory indication of the atelier’s interest in dichotomies: natural and man-made, personal and collective, local and cosmopolitan.   In light of the global circumstances, Janberidze and Toloraia felt it was especially important to pursue collaborative work. Rooms invited three artists—Shotiko Aptsiauri, Salome Chigalashvili and Mariana Chkonia—to conduct a dialogue and shared design process. As such, this exhibition is a kind of polyphonic meditation on a need for solitude and desire for companionship. The practice of polyphonic singing, essential to Georgian folk culture, is reinterpreted here as a design endeavor. Chigilashvili, working with unprocessed yarn, interpreted folk motifs by adapting embroidery to the scale of furniture with expansive stitches applied to painted boards...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Oak, Reclaimed Wood, Wood

Extraordinary Set of 12 Modern Klismos Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1950
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and completely installation ready. This large set of these rare examples is unique on the market. Expert custom upholstery service is available. The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) modern Klismos dining chairs...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Upholstered Slipper Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Garnerville, NY
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb slipper chair. The slipper chair traditionally is an armless chair that sits closer to the floor than other chairs. Featuring that elegantly tape...
Category

1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Antique Italian Savonarola Dante Chair Carved Oak Renaissance Lion Shield
Located in Tyler, TX
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Oak "Savonarola" or "Dante" Chair~~early 20th Century These chairs, often called scissor or "X" chairs, are typically supported by two crossed or curved supports at the sides or back and front~~these chairs were given the name Savonarola in the 19th century after Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian priest in Florence from 1494-1498~~the design comes from an ancient Roman "X" shaped chair that was popular in medieval Italy...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Oak

Vintage Drexel Klismos Caned High Back Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of A Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern vintage Drexel Klismos leg caned high back d...
Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cane

Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour
By Scarlet Splendour
Located in Kolkata, IN
Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour is a beautiful chair which will add a sparkle to any interior space. The Fools' Gold collection of amorphous forms, cast in brass, is a t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Brass

Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour
Rapture Chair in Brass by Scarlet Splendour
H 33.86 in W 16.93 in D 20.08 in
Previously Available Items
Ten Burl + Cane Parsons Dining Chairs, Rare Widdicomb Set of 10 Organic Modern
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Milo Baughman, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Decatur, GA
Exquisite set of TEN (10) burled ash and cane Parsons style dining chairs by John Widdicomb, circa 1950s. This set is unique on the market. It includes eight (8) side chairs and two ...
Category

1960s American Organic Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Chenille, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Burl

George Nakashima New Chairs
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Pair of chairs designed by George Nakashima and made by Widddicomb in the late 1950s as part of their ‘Origins’ line. Known as ‘New’ chairs, these have solid...
Category

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

Materials

Hickory, Walnut

George Nakashima New Chairs
George Nakashima New Chairs
H 35.5 in W 18.5 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Sculptural T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Chairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of heavy sculptural chairs in near excellent condition.
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Widdicomb Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Widdicomb mid century dining chairs - set of 6 Each chair measures: 21 wide x 19 deep x 35 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 24 inches Captain chair measu...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Side Chairs, a Pair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Garnerville, 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. ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Birch, Maple

6 Rare Widdicomb Mueller Walnut Dining Chairs Attributed to George Nakashima
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of (6) Rare Widdicomb Mueller Titan dining table, attributed to George Nakashima dining Chairs in walnut and Woven upholstery. Tapered hexagonal legs. Documented Widdicomb Muelle...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Robsjohn Gibbings Lounge Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish Robsjohn Giggings design for Widdicomb Furniture lounge chair in original, untouched condition. Clean and ready to use as is, or reupholster to taste if you prefer a...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Robsjohn Gibbings Lounge Chair
Robsjohn Gibbings Lounge Chair
H 29.5 in W 29 in D 26 in
Sabre Leg Armchair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful single sabre leg armchair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. This signature T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings sculpted sabre leg chair frame is fabric...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Rare Single T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Bergère Style Slipper Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful French influenced design by T. H Robsjohn-Gibbings in original finish and re-upholstery. Serpentine front with elegant splayed legs on walnut frame, original finish shows s...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Strap Chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Strap chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Bleached walnut, with tapered patinated brass legs, and original canvas webbing. Model # 1796.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Chairs for Widdicomb, circa 1955
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings slipper chairs for Widdicomb, circa 1955. This pair has been professionally restored.
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Six Dining Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful set of six (6) dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, comprised of five (5) side chairs and one (1) armchair. The signature T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings sculpted sabre leg chair frames are fabricated from solid Walnut and features sculpted legs with graceful lines. Notice the slight curves and angles at the base of the front legs and the splayed angle of the rear legs. Such artistry in these beautiful chairs. The seats and double sided upholstered backs have been previously reupholstered with a high-end fabric with a very interesting texture and pattern. An exquisite set, ready to grace the home of the collector or interior design client. These TH Robsjohn Gibbings sabre leg dining chairs...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Widdicomb Furniture Co. chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Widdicomb Furniture Co. chairs 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. chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs 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 chairs by Warren Platner, Norman Cherner, and Russel Wright. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $48,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,800.

Recently Viewed

View All