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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.

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Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Ten Saber Leg Dining Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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

Set of Ten Klismos Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten for Widdicomb, circa 1940
By Carl Malmsten, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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

T H Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Midcentury Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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

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

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

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

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
Extraordinary Set of 12 Modern Klismos Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1950
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. 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

Pair of Classic T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Lounge Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of elegant T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb lounge chairs. Walnut frames with original upholstery, note that attached seat cushion is thicker and proper tufting and buttons ...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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

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

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

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

Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Richard McCarthy for Selrite
By Selrite, Richard McCarthy
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

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

Set of Six Neoclassical Klismos Style Dining Chairs by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional set of neoclassical klismos style mahogany dining chairs by Henredon. The set features a dramatic dark polished finish near ebony in c...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Widdicomb Furniture Co. Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Lounge Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sexy and sophisticated lounge chair by style master T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, for Widdicomb Furniture Company. This example is struct...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb High Back Club Chairs Ebonized Base
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St. Louis, MO
 Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb highback club chairs with dark walnut base, tapered conical, angled legs. Only one chair has been upholstered.
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, 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

Previously Available Items
Ten Burl + Cane Parsons Dining Chairs, Rare Widdicomb Set of 10 Organic Modern
By John Widdicomb, Milo Baughman, Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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 Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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.

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