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.
Vintage Painted Palm Beach Regency Commode by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Colorfully painted commode, by John Widdicomb, having a rectangular top with marbleized finish. Its case colorfully painted in pastels and parcel gilt decoration. The four, stacked d...
Wood
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful French Provincial Louis XV style three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered solid cherry wood, ...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Chests of Drawers, Pair
By Ralph Widdicomb, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of French Provincial Louis XV style three-drawer dressers or chests of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered solid che...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Commode or Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style commode or dresser chest By John Widdicomb USA, late 20th century Carved solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Drawers...
Brass
20th Century Provincial Style Double Dresser and Pair of Mirrors by Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Southampton, NY
French Provincial style bedroom Credenza set with double mirrors by John Widdicomb, marked with plaque, 1960s Six drawers 22"wide Two central doors with...
Walnut
Vintage John Widdicomb French Provincial High Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Add timeless elegance to your home with this vintage John Widdicomb French Provincial high chest, circa 1960s. Featuring a rich cherry finish, this beautifully crafted piece showcase...
Wood, Cherry
Venetian Style Painted Palm Beach Regency John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Venetian Style Painted Palm Beach Regency John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Vintage John Widdicomb chest of drawers is ornately designed and hand painted in a typical Venetian color ...
Wood
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By John Widdicomb, George Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Walnut, Burl
John Widdicomb Georgian Green Lacquered Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, Refinished
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style eight-drawer double dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Green lacquered carved solid ma...
Brass
$2,316Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Venetian Style Painted with Travertine top Night stands by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Venetian style painted nightstands with travertine tops by John Widdicomb showcases the celebrated craftsmanship and timeless elegance of one of America’s finest furnitu...
Travertine
John Stuart for Widdicomb Rosewood Chest
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fine rosewood chest of drawers by John Stuart for John Widdicomb Co. This bedroom storage cabinet features sculptural carved palm-like columns and original brass hardware. Original J...
Brass
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Leaf Chest / Commode by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Dallas, TX
This gorgeous Louis XV chest by John Widdicomb has incredible French style with a classic serpentine Bombay silhouette, elegant French styled details, and raised design with gold lea...
Wood
John Widdicomb Chippendale Walnut Block Front Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Chippendale style four-drawer block front dresser chest or commode By John Widdicomb USA, circa 1960s Solid walnut, with origin...
Brass
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy John Widdicomb Regency Style Two Drawer Commode
By John Widdicomb
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant medium sized two drawer commode having magnificent glossy mahogany with curlicue paint and gilt decoration, shiny brasses and cabriole legs.
Brass
John Widdicomb, Chests of Drawers, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in Stamford, CT
John Widdicomb, American Mid-Century Modern, Chests of Drawers, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1960s Pair of wonderfully refinished cabinets designed and produced by John Widdicomb in the Unit...
Brass
John Widdicomb Hand Painted Imprinted Leather Serpentine Dresser Chest Sideboard
By John Widdicomb
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile, John Widdicomb commode dresser you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Very heavy and s...
Brass
Early Impressive John Widdicomb Cherry Brass Five Graduated Drawer Drawer Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A substantial John Widdicomb five drawer chest. It is the larger version of this form. Exceptionally well made like all Widdicomb pieces. Graduated drawers. Excellent wood selection,...
Brass
Gibbings Widdicomb Ebonized Black Lacquer 3 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser Mint!
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings Widdicomb ebonized black lacquer 3 drawers bachelor chest dresser mint!
Walnut
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of John Widdicomb Asain style bachelors chests. These are fine examples of the level of craftsmanship and the standards of the John Widdicomb Furniture Company. These p...
Brass
Pair of John Widdicomb French Provincial Bachelors Chests
By John Widdicomb
Located in Dallas, TX
A gorgeous pair of French Provincial three-drawer Bachelors chests or dressers by John Widdicomb. Sturdy and in good structural condition; Cosmetic imperfections (pictured) include c...
Brass
$11,500 / set
Pair John Widdicomb Chests
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Pair John Widdicomb Walnut and Brass Chests. The chests are walnut with four pull-out drawers. The handles have brass trim. Well made and sturdy.
Brass
John Widdicomb Adam Style Faux Marble Walnut Demilune Commode Buffet Server
By John Widdicomb
Located in Long Branch, NJ
John Widdicomb Adam Style Faux Marble Walnut Demilune Commode Buffet Server Dimensions : 51.5" Wide X 16.5" Deep X 36" Tall This stunning demilune server was made by John Widdicomb...
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Marble Top Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bombay form commode or dresser chest By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Solid ...
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by John Widdicomb, Brass Pulls, USA
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury classically styled 9-drawer dark brown stained walnut dresser with brushed brass inset pulls and sabots. Excellent restored condition. Signed. On display at 200 Lexington...
Brass
Persian Walnut Dresser by Bert England for John Widdicomb
By Bert England, John Widdicomb
Located in Hanover, MA
Luxurious nine drawer dresser in Persian walnut designed by Bert England for the John Widdicomb's Orientation Group. End doors with chunky s...
Brass
Sliding Doors Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Cabinet
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Concealed by sliding doors deeps drawers chest of drawers cabinet by John Widdicomb.
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern Walnut Gentlemen's High Chest Dresser MINT!
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern Walnut Gentlemen's High Chest Dresser MINT!
Aluminum
Widdicomb Solid Cherry Brass Pulls Hardware Block Front High Chest Dresser Mint!
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb solid cherry brass pulls hardware block front high chest dresser mint! 6 drawers Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest by John Widdicomb.
Brass
Hollywood Regency Widdicomb Chest of Drawers or Commode with Gold Gilding
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic chest of drawers by Widdicomb circa 1960's. It features distressed mahogany with gold gilding. Two big drawers with tons of space.
Wood
Lovely John Widdicomb Tall Dresser With Tamboured Doors
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous signed piece of john widdicomb tall dresser with tamboured doors. This dresser is in gorgeous condition with it original finish. I l...
Brass