Of course Widdicomb, and a greek concern (the name escapes me at the moment), but did he design for others? I have seen one reference that he did for baker, but no pics or confirmation. I ask because I saw a dining set today by Imperial of grand rapids that if it had a Widdicomb label, no one would be in the least surprised. It was an all wood set in bleached mahogany and the chair ams and legs had that Gibbings round pole design with ends joined to the uprights on the 45 like some of his Widdicomb arm chairs. The back legs of the chairs were 2 piece hairpin style, also in round profile wood. The center leg on the table was a v again done the same. They had upholstered seats and square face mounted back frames with tightly woven flat cane. If I get to see them again I will try to get pics. Any thoughts?
Robsjohn-Gibbings
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings worked for Widdicom Furniture Co. (1943-1956) and then for Baker Furniture in the 1960s. The Greek firm is called Saridis. The Grand Rapids Public Library know a lot of this designer.
By the way, are you familiar with his designs? Approx. a month ago I added a thread on this forum to ask for a confirmation of the designer of my chairs (Robsjohn-Gibbings). If you have time please have a look. In the mean time I'm almost sure that my chairs are really designed by him. Best regards, Joger
For some reason,
Robsjohn-Gibbings pieces are like Hayward-Wakefield...nice furniture but under valued. I guess it's because RG belonged to the elegant, but not architectally significant designers. His stuff is fat and elegant, but his stuff wasn't the kind to win design awards.
The X magazine IS a design classic, nonetheless.
Imperial furniture
Another famous-in-his-day designer, William Pahlmann, designed modern lines for Imperial in the 50s. His look could easily be confused with Gibbings. He is yet another designer who's day of rediscovery has not yet come. Hold on to those items, and they will be very valuable on day.
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