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.
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Black Lacquered and Brass Desk
By John Widdicomb, Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic writing table or desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft. Composed of a large black lacquered wood top with canted corners that sits atop a brass frame. Brass legs swoop ...
Brass
Mid-Century Writing Desk By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Dale Ford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Refined MCM desk designed by Dale Ford for the prestigious John Widdicomb Company. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs, Widdicomb pieces are highly regarded ...
Wood
$7,595
H 29.5 in W 76 in D 38 in
1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers
By Romweber Furniture Co., Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Luxury, pure and simple. Well maybe not so simple… this burled Carpathian elm wood executive desk wears its gold trim like fine jewelry. The vintage 1970s desk captures the glamour of the era. The chocolate hued wood is illuminated with brilliant gold-colored metal handles, legs, and bezel. This is no dainty beauty. Designed for serious work and sophisticated environments, the desk features a suite of functional enhancements rarely found in pieces of this era. Three pull‑out table tops, one at the back, and one on each side. These convenient pull-out tables expand the usable surface area for devices or collaborative work. A long center drawer with an integrated organizing tray keeps essentials elegantly contained. On the left and right, two shallow top drawers provide quick‑access storage. Two deep file drawers (one left, one right) accommodate modern organizational needs. These file drawers lock, one key is included. Attention to detail rings throughout the design. Meant to be admired from all angles, it is a true work of art. Romweber, founded in Indiana and known for its uncompromising standards, produced some of the finest American case goods of the 20th century. This desk is a testament to that legacy: substantial, impeccably built, and designed to endure for generations. Its scale, materials, and craftsmanship make it an exceptional choice for executives and collectors seeking a statement piece that communicates authority, taste, and heritage. We also have a matching, equally grand, Romweber executive office credenza with file...
Brass
Danish Mid - Century Writing Desk in Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
The wide tabletop is presenting a fine walnut wood. Right beneath the top there is wide shelf. Three drawers are attached on either side. Each of the drawers has “bow” shaped handle....
Walnut
$1,464Sale Price|30% Off
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 24.81 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Italian desk from the 1960s, restored and shellac polished. Note the brass handles and feet, the green glass top with original period adhesive paper underneath and the black painted ...
Brass, Iron
$2,595
H 28.5 in W 72 in D 36 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Office Desk by Lucas Danish Style Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning vintage desk that oozes mid century style, this Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Office Desk by Lucas Danish Style offers fantastic storage space and a generous desktop are...
Wood, Teak
$1,341
H 29.93 in W 45.28 in D 25.6 in
Restored Mid Century Writing Desk, By B. Landsman, Walnut, Oak, Czech, 1950s
By Bohumil Landsman
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 115 cm (45.3 in) Width: 65 cm (25.6 in) Legroom: Height: 73.5 cm (28.9 in) Width: 63.5 cm (25 in) This writing desk is an excellent ...
Wood, Oak, Walnut, Lacquer
Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960's
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century desk, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, circa 1960's. This stylish desk features a two tier top, the upper section having two sliding doors, that open to rev...
Leather, Wood
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 49.5 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Writing Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elevate your workspace with this 1960s Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom. This desk showcases rich walnut grain, clean architectural lines, and a sleek floating to...
Walnut
$4,500 / item
H 28.55 in W 51.19 in D 23.63 in
Casablanca Brass, Mexican Walnut and Black Leather Desk / Nomade Atelier Design
By Nomade Atelier
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A striking balance between sharp edges and soft leather pocketing is found in the Casablanca desk by contemporary Nomade Atelier ´s Mexican design. Upg...
Brass
$9,333 / item
H 29.14 in W 66.93 in D 27.56 in
Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The and sides are in olive and black...
Metal
Mastercraft Brass Writing Desk and Chair Circa 1960s
By Mastercraft
Located in Peabody, MA
An extremely rare solid brass writing desk and chair with a stylized neoclassical motif of crossed arrows and target medallions. The chair is fitted with an unusual basketweave seat ...
Brass
Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Mid Century executive desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. It has the maker’s mark in the drawer, (shown in the picture above). This wonderful desk has four drawer...
Leather, Walnut
$1,195
H 31.5 in W 52.5 in D 40.25 in
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel declaration mid century walnut corner desk This desk measures: 52.5 wide x 40.25 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a cha...
Walnut
John Widdicomb Chippendale Style Secretary Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Toledo, OH
John Widdicomb Chippendale Style Secretary Desk. circa 20th century. A two-piece slant front walnut Chippendale desk model #2086. Banded wood inl...
Brass
French Directoire Style Painted Desk by John Widdicomb
By William A. Berkey Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Stamford, CT
A creme peinte bureau plat in the style of French Directoire, circa 1960s, the wood top in natural finish over a frieze fitted with three drawers and decorated with parcel-gilt bandi...
Wood
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood Campaign Executive Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century burlwood Campaign executive desk. Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 30 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage co...
Burl
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Burled Wood Desk with Brass Hardware
By John Widdicomb, Mastercraft
Located in North Miami, FL
This classic desk / executive desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft is burled wood and original brass hardware and legs. It is from the 1970s. It has 3 drawers; 2 on one side and 1 ...
Brass
8.5 FT Midcentury Widdicomb Burl Walnut Campaign Kneehole Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pasadena, TX
8.5 FT vintage midcentury Widdicomb Burl walnut campaign kneehole credenza Large knee-hole credenza desk by John Widdicomb. Campaign -style with...
Burl
Sold
H 30.5 in W 108 in D 19 in
Modern Widdicomb Burl Walnut Campaign Style Two Paneled Desk / Credenza
By John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Wonderful and monumental Carpathian Elm / Burl walnut two paneled desk / credenza by John Widdicomb. Campaign style with brass handles. This pi...
Burl
John Widdicomb Modern Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Bridgeport, CT
John Widdicomb modern desk, pale burled wood top with canted corners, three frieze drawers with brass pulls, mounted on a brass frame with flat c...
Burl
John Widdicomb Vintage French Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a beautiful painted French writing desk or vanity by John Widdicomb. The desk features classic French design with two large drawers on each end and a long center drawer. Dra...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 29.5 in W 52 in D 24.5 in
Bert England for John Widdicomb Leather Top Walnut Stilted Desk with Brass Pulls
By Bert England, John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hudson, NY
Form meets function in this stylish leather topped walnut desk designed by Bert England exclusively for John Widdicomb Furniture. Stylish yet very functional desk that shows fabulous...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Desk for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern desk designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb in the United States circa 1960’s. Crafted with walnut wood, this desk features six dovetailed drawers on ea...
Walnut
Bert England Persian Walnut and Leather Desk for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in Chicago, IL
From California designer Bert England's Orientation Group for John Widdicomb Company, this extraordinary desk is made of Persian walnut and solid mahogany. Wrapping around the fr...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 54 in D 26 in
20th Century Queen Anne Revival English Chinoiserie Desk by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An authentic reproduction of a Chinese writing table that was imported into England during the Queen Anne period (1702-1714) with cordovan-leather lacquer finish with delicately-rend...
Brass, Gold Leaf