If all you want for Christmas is an incredible piece of twentieth century furniture, this would be my personal recommendation. Terence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings was the most important decorator in America in the 1930's and 40's. After opening a shop on Madison Avenue in 1936, he became the designer of choice for such prominent Americans as tobacco heiress Doris Duke, Alfred A. Knopf and Thelma Chrysler Foy. His style would best be described as modern historicism. He was heavily influenced by Ancient Grecian design and the visual vocabulary of the classical world. That being said, his designs did, during his time, and still do feel fresh and completely modern. Some of his best known and most iconic pieces were produced during the time he worked as a designer for Widdicomb Furniture, from 1943 to 1956. There is a casual elegance and rich simplicity to his work during that period that few others have been able to achieve, but many have tried to copy.
This six drawer chest is an exceptional example of Gibbings' work for Widdicomb. The piece was designed by Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb in 1953. The elegance and simplicity of design is only rivalled by the craftsmanship in the making of the chest. Each drawer has dovetailed joints in the front and back. The construction and finishing are the finest you will see from the period, and you would be hard pressed to see this quality today in furniture at any price. If this piece is still in the shop on Christmas eve, it just might find it's way under my tree. Love it! 69" l., 21"w., 33" h. American c. 1953 SOLD
