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.
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Sliding Door Cabinet
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Sliding Door Cabinet This cabinet measures: 51.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 43 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Wood
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
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Symmetric Group Mid Century Lounge Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Symmetric Group Mid Century Lounge Chairs Each chair measures: 29.25 wide x 29 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 15.5 and arm height/chair clearance...
Upholstery
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Wood & Upholstery Arm Chair by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Detroit, MI
This lovely vintage mid century modern arm chair was designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (English, 1905-1976) for Widdicomb circa 1950. The elegant, distinctive design features clean,...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings by Widdicomb Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Toledo, OH
Elegant mid-century modern walnut dresser by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb features a curved front, captivating spear-shaped silver finish tipped pulls, and 4 drawers. 34" wid...
Walnut
Rare Highboy Secretary by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your home office or study with this monumental secretary cabinet conceived by iconic British-American architect T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (b. 1903-1976) for his legendary mid-ce...
Metal, Brass
Robsjohn Gibbings Cart for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings Cart for Widdicomb in an Original Black Lacquer Finish. The sliding and removable black tray with brass handles is included. The wheels need a minor adjustment re...
Wood
Gibbings Widdicomb Mid Century Modern Dresser Credenza Light Walnut
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice super clean original condition Gibbings dresser for Widdicomb.
Pewter
Widdicomb Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Widdicomb Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 21 wide x 22 deep x 34 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 24.5 inches We ...
Metal
$1,942Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Widdicomb Desk Chippendale
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Antique Widdicomb Chippendale...
Brass
Widdicomb End Table with Églomisé Top and Resin Breeze Block Sides, circa 1960
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Hollywood Regency end table or side table by Widdicomb with Verre Églomisé gold leaf on glass and resin breeze block sculptural sides set in mahogany fra...
Gold Leaf
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 Mid Century 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 67.25 wide x 21.5 deep x 30.25 inches hig We take our photos in a controlled lightin...
Metal
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Brass leg Mahogany Coffee Table Bench
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An iconic T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb brass leg coffee table or bench. A slab of mahogany floats on splayed brass legs. Exaggerated bull nos...
Brass
T H Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Modern MCM Maple and Brass Credenza with Hutch
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Modern Mid Century Maple and Brass Credenza with Hutch The credenza measures: 54 wide x 20.25 deep x 32.75 inches high The hutch measures: 51 wi...
Brass
Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb, in the United States, circa 1960s. These fabulous chairs have been carefully refinished and reupholstered, giving them a fresh and vibrant appearance. Their graceful curves and refined lines exude a vintage style while resting on solid walnut legs. The curved back design provides a relaxing lumbar support, in addition to the leather piping and buttons highlighting their exceptional craftsmanship. What sets these chairs apart is their rarity; they are a limited-production model, and finding a pair is a hard find. These chairs were part of a symmetrical series, making them a coveted find for enthusiasts of fine design. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you purchase vintage furniture from Danish Modern NoHo...
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
1970s 12.5ft John Widdicomb Conference Table in Walnut with Chromed Steel Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Long Conference Table, designed by John Widdicomb and produced and distributed by Steelcase. The top is walnut and legs are chromed steel. Some refer to the form of the top...
Steel
Breathtaking Restored Set of 8 Arm Dining Chairs by Gibbings, Cane Backs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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. The custom cane back is a modification to the design. This large All Arm set of rare examples is unique on the market. Expert custom upholstery service is available. The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) modern Klismos arm dining chairs by the esteemed T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950. An ALL ARM set of this size of these difficult to find seating examples is the collector's equivalent of capturing a Purple Unicorn. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail. Artistry and execution that is beyond incredible. Finished in a medium walnut stain - aged to absolute perfection. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, rare and coveted chair...
Cane, Walnut
Vintage MCM Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers - a Pair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your home with this stunning pair of American-style Vintage Mid-Century Modern Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers. Exemplifying Robsjohn-Gibbings' signature cle...
Metal
Robjsjohn Gibbings Mirror for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Robjsjohn Gibbings mirror for Widdicomb Some vintage wear. Overall quite nice. Widdicomb label attached to backside. Can be hung vertically, or ho...
Wood
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Occasional Side / End Table for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Occasional Side / End Table for Widdicomb. A seldom seen model. Can be used as a nice end table or set in a living space as a side occasional table. Beautiful...
Brass
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...
Textile, Walnut
As Found Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Footstool or Ottoman
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Ferndale, MI
Long stored in my warehouse selling "as is " thinking someone out there has a chair this will work with . Clearly needs to be refinished and upholstered.
Upholstery