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.
Louis XV Style Black Ebonized Brass Mounted Leather Top Desk By John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 in W: 53 1/4 in D: 25 1/2 in A stunning Louis XV-style black ebonized and brass-mounted three-drawer desk by John Widdicomb, exuding timeless elegance and superio...
Brass
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Black Lacquered and Brass Desk
By Mastercraft, John Widdicomb
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
$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 Mastercraft, Romweber Furniture Co., 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
$2,130
H 30 in W 48.5 in D 25 in
French Louis XV Bureau Plat Leather Top Desk With Mounted Bronze Ormolu
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A gorgeous French Louis XV style executive writing desk or bureau plat desk Mahogany, with bronze/bronze trim and ormolu mounts, and embossed green leather top. Remnants of gilt fin...
Bronze
$4,386
H 29.93 in W 41.74 in D 23.23 in
Louis XV-Style Writing Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts, 1950
Located in Barntrup, DE
This fine Louis XV-style desk has a leather top framed by bronze borders. The writing desk is raised on cabriole legs headed by floral and leaf cast mounts that have finely finished ...
Bronze
French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...
Leather, 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
$9,357 / 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
$4,500
H 30 in W 52 in D 20 in
Louis XV Style Auffray and Co Black Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts
By Auffray Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XV French style black lacquered desk from the mid 20th century by maker Auffray and Co, with leather top, gilt accents, bronze mounts and three drawers. Created during the Midcentury period, this black lacquer desk, made by Auffray and Co furniture, showcases the stylistic characteristics of the Louis XV era. The desk features a rectangular serpentine top fitted with black leather and gilt accents, sitting above an elegant apron. Three drawers, with bronze Rococo style hardware and gilded accents, present sinuous lines mimicking the apron's lines. The table is raised on four elegant cabriole legs with bronze feet. One of the drawers conceals the maker's label reading Fine French Furniture by Auffray and Co, inc. 921 Third Ave., NYC. With its Louis XV lines and black and gold colors, this French style desk...
Bronze
$2,800
H 29.75 in W 53.25 in D 27.25 in
French Louis XV Style Leather Top Writing Desk with Matching Desk Chair
By Drexel
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This lovely Drexel vintage writing desk in the French Louis XV style includes a matching Louis XV style chair and displays lovely French Provincial style having curvaceous cabriole l...
Cane, Wood
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.75 in W 78.75 in D 74 in
Mariani for Pace Grey-Green Leather Executive Desk and Credenza
By Pace Collection, i4 Mariani
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian executive desk by Mariani for Pace Collection. Modular desk assembles in pieces for easy adjustments and moving. Teal grey leather has tooled borders where the hides are join...
Leather, Wood, Laminate
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
$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 for Mastercraft Brass Frame Console Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in Toledo, OH
Console table by John Widdicomb in a heavy brass sculpted frame with a faux marble finish top and three drawers with brass handles, and a 1978 label in the back of one of the drawers...
Brass
John Widdicomb Burlwood and Brass Writing Desk, USA c 1970s
By John Widdicomb
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful burled wood desk, with brass curved bar-form legs and brass recessed pulls. Three shallow drawers. The desk has been refinished and all brass polished and lacquered. The d...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 53 in D 26 in
Vintage John Widdicomb French Country Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Drawer
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage John Widdicomb French Country/Louis XV Ornately Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Dovetailed Drawer, Carved and Finished Back, and Attractive Distressed Finish. Circa Mid 20th ...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 72 in D 36 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Campaign Burl Wood Executive Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign executive desk By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous burl wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 72"W x ...
Brass
Vintage Burl Wood and Brass Campaign Desk by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage burl wood campaign desk designed by John Widdicomb for Widdicomb Furniture in the United States, circa 1960. This exceptional executive desk from Widdicomb is a stunning exam...
Brass
Bert England Walnut Desk for John Widdicomb
By Bert England, John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bert England for John Widdicomb faux-Tourtise shell finish body with a black vinyl work surface and drawer fronts. Asian inspired brass handles. Desk is finished on all sides! Fin...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 47.75 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Walnut Demilune Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style demilune writing desk By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1950s Carved walnut...
Brass
Sold
H 30.75 in W 65.25 in D 31.5 in
John Widdicomb Burl Wood and Brass Executive Desk, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern executive writing desk By John Widdicomb and produced by Mastercraft USA, Circa 1970s Measures...
Brass
Sold
H 29.25 in W 33 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Carved Walnut Vanity with Mirror, 1920s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style vanity or writing desk with wall-hanging mirror By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1920s Inlaid walnut, with carved giltwood details, and...
Brass
Sold
H 19 in W 33 in L 19 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Carved Walnut Vanity or Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style vanity or writing desk By John Widdicomb. USA, Circa 1920s. Inlaid walnut, with carved giltwood details, and original brass hardwar...
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
Sold
H 29.5 in W 52 in D 24.5 in
Bert England for John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Leather Top Desk
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern writing desk or executive desk By Bert England for John Widdicomb "Orientation Group" USA, 1960s Walnut, with leather top and original Asia...
Brass