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The simple rectangular top with canted angles, over three frieze drawers with recessed brass demi-lune handles, one drawer with a metal label stamped 'John Widdicomb Maker of Fine Furniture Grand Rapids', above a brass frame and corresponding angled brass legs. The legs were originally lacquered and have developed a dark patina. A protective glass top has been cut to fit.
This desk was designed by John Widdicomb for fellow Grand Rapids furniture company Mastercraft (founded 1947). Mastercraft was renowned for its bold modern designs and striking specialist finishes. Our particular piece belongs to a range that included consoles, credenzas and coffee tables, all with the same distinctive canted corners, swooping legs and demilune handles. Finishes varied, with examples known in plain black and white lacquers, black and white marble effect lacquers, and also a burl wood.
The Widdicomb furniture making business was established by George Widdicomb, who emigrated from England in 1845. After initially setting up in Syracuse, New York, he moved to the forested area of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he opened a shop with his four sons, one of whom was John Widdicomb (1845-1910).
After the Civil War, the business was renamed as ‘Widdicomb Furniture Company’, but in 1897 John split off and established ‘John Widdicomb Company’. From the 1920’s this company moved towards making modern pieces, rather than copying European period styles. They formed partnerships with highly significant architect-designers, including Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H Robsjohn-Gibbings (1905-1976) and Mario Buatta. At the end of the 50s, a partnership was formed with George Nakashima, who merged his company to form ‘Widdicomb-Mueller’ from 1959 to c.1969. This period was defined by ‘Shaker’ and Japanese influenced designs.
Finally in 1970 the two Widdicomb companies reunited under the brand ‘John Widdicombe Co.’ until 2002 when it went out of business. Its manufacturing rights and designs were acquired by Stickley Furniture, who continue to produce furniture under the ‘John Widdicomb Company’ label, copying period designs, including modern pieces of the first half of the 20th Century.
