Tall Mahogany John Widdicomb Gentleman's Chest with Tambour Doors
View Similar Items
Tall Mahogany John Widdicomb Gentleman's Chest with Tambour Doors
About the Item
- Creator:John Widdicomb (Designer),Widdicomb Furniture Co. (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 42.25 in (107.32 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Length: 42.25 in (107.32 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1965
- Condition:very nice original finish.
- Seller Location:Hudson, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU106283602962
John Widdicomb
In the Widdicomb family, furniture ran in the blood. 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, Michigan. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.
A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. 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. Admirers of mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize Widdicomb for the partnerships with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. 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.
Today, Stickley continues to produce John Widdicomb Company furniture, including French, Italian, English and Russian reproductions, as well as modern works from the first half of the 20th century.
Find vintage John Widdicomb bedroom furniture, tables, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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.
- Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Dresser Chests CommodeBy Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor, Baker Far East CollectionLocated in Hudson, NYExceptional pair of solid wood dressers designed by Michael Taylor for the very collectable "Far East Collection" by Baker Furniture. This pair has been expertly refinished by Columbia County's premier woodworker Michael Gregorio. This finish shows the action or the original wood which appears to be elm. The double ring door pulls which are the Michael Taylor signature complete the look. The design of these dressers are the definition of style meets function.Although elegantly styled- the pieces are solid and very usable. We are offering the pair in this listing as well as a second pair which you can find in our other listings. We also have available the companion "vanity" piece which can be added between any of the pieces as shown in the last few photographs. All dressers...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Elm
- Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Dresser Chests CommodesBy Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor, Baker Far East CollectionLocated in Hudson, NYExceptional pair of solid wood dressers designed by Michael Taylor for the very collectable "Far East Collection" by Baker Furniture. This pair has been expertly refinished by Columbia County's premier woodworker Michael Gregorio. This finish shows the action of the original wood which appears to be elm. The double ring door pulls which are the Michael Taylor signature complete the look. The design of these dressers are the definition of style meets function.Although elegantly styled- the pieces are solid and very usable. We are offering the pair in this listing as well as a second pair which you can find in our other listings. We also have available the companion "vanity" piece which can be added between any of the pieces as shown in the last few photographs. All dressers...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Elm
- Burled Blonde Mahogany Midcentury 6 Drawer Ring Pull Dresser Red Lion FurnitureLocated in Hudson, NYAll original 1950s dresser by Red Lion Firniture. Stunning burled mahogany drawer fronts with elegant brass ring pulls. Solid wood with mahogany case. Sculpted feet complete the look...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Classic Sculptural T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm ChairBy Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-GibbingsLocated in Hudson, NYStunning heavy sculptural chair in near excellent condition.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood, Walnut
- Pair of Sleek Mahogany Parzinger Style Dining / Occasional Chairs by John StuartBy John Stuart Inc.Located in Hudson, NYAn elegant pair of John Stuart armchairs that could be used as dining or occasional chairs. They have the original dark mahogany almost ebony finish and serviceable original fabric. ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMahogany, Upholstery
- Stunning & Rare John Hutton for Donghia 'Block Island' Sofa of Wicker & MahoganyBy John Hutton, DonghiaLocated in Hudson, NYA very rare example from the limited production Block Island collection designed by John Hutton (1947-2006) for Donghia. The chocolate colored version is very rare- only a few were p...Category
20th Century American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsMahogany, Cane, Wicker
- Lovely John Widdicomb Tall Dresser With Tamboured Doors Mid-CenturyBy John WiddicombLocated in Pemberton, NJGorgeous signed piece of John Widdicomb tall dresser with tamboured doors. This dresser is in gorgeous condition with it original finish. I l...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Gentleman's Chest by WiddicombBy Widdicomb Furniture Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYHandsome dresser by Widdicomb with walnut grain, six total drawers, brass spade handles. Back has a finished wood panel. (Please confirm item location-NY or NJ-with dealer).Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's ChestLocated in Westwood, NJA Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Dressers
MaterialsWood
$8,790 / item - John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tall Dresser with Tambour DoorsBy John WiddicombLocated in Plainview, NYElevate your living space with the timeless allure of mid-century modern design embodied in this exceptional John Widdicomb tall dresser. Crafted from quality walnut wood, this piece...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Tall Gentleman's High Chest Mirrored CompartmentBy Tommi Parzinger, John WiddicombLocated in Rockaway, NJMid century modern tall high chest with mirrored compartment and brass figural pulls. There are multiple storage drawers triptych mirror perfume shelf. O...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Tall Mid-Century Gentleman's ChestLocated in Brooklyn, NYLarge chest of drawers with side cabinet storage. This all in one unit features five deep drawers and left side cabinet space with top drawer and adjustable shelves. Please confirm l...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut