Skip to main content

John Dickinson Furniture

American, 1920-1982

Playful, sculptural, unexpected: Illustrious designer and decorator John Dickinson created interiors, lighting fixtures, seating and other furnishings that were wholly peculiar and unlike anything seen before. The Berkeley, California, native mined design movements of bygone eras for elements he would later integrate into what would become his signature anthropomorphic work.

Dickinson was inspired by Art Deco designers such as Jean-Michel Frank, who similarly drew on the past for his extravagant pieces, and found appeal in the claw-foot tables and seating that Georgian-era furniture makers produced.

Although Dickinson attended the Parsons School of Design in New York, he returned to the West Coast following graduation. He worked for decorating firms and furniture stores, and, in 1956, he set up his own practice in San Francisco, where he reinterpreted heritage in his sculptural lamps, stools and chairs with legs that terminate in hooves or resemble bones and tree branches.

Dickinson’s spare but sophisticated furniture is often associated with a “golden age” of San Francisco decorating that includes the work of designers Charles Pfister and Michael Taylor. Wider recognition over the years owes to collectors’ interest and exhibits such as “Fantasy and Function: The Furniture of John Dickinson,” which opened at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 2003.

Despite his irreverent approach, Dickinson’s pieces were luxury items. He crafted lamps of unpolished brass and tables in chalky white plaster with a resin coating. His most iconic works are his Etruscan tables with legs resembling hooved animal feet and his Three-Legged African table, which was inspired by an artifact he discovered in an import shop. Dickinson took on only handpicked, young, well-to-do clients who were willing to give him free rein to experiment with these unusual forms and industrial materials. Leading department stores like Lord & Taylor, however, were also among his clientele. In 1977, Dickinson was commissioned to design a furniture collection for Macy’s. It featured white lacquered bookcases that drew on urban architecture and table lamps with bodies that mimicked animal bones.

Owing to his untimely death, and the fact that he worked in plaster, a highly breakable material, few of Dickinson’s original pieces exist to this day. Their scarcity renders every remaining Dickinson design a valuable heirloom guaranteed to make a statement in any room.

Find vintage John Dickinson furniture on 1stDibs.

10
2
to
4
12
12
12
12
5
2
1
10
2
2
7
2
5
5
5
4
3
2
11
10
5
3,892
3,435
1,630
1,493
Price: $400 to $20
Availability: In Stock Within 6 weeks
Creator: John Dickinson
Signed John Dickinson 1970s White Plaster Low Side Table with Hoofed Feet
By John Dickinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A signed John Dickinson plaster low side table from circa 1970 with white finish, X-Form base and hoof feet. This iconic John Dickinson plaster low side table, dating back to around ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

John Dickinson Mid-Century Modern Style Sculpted Africa Side / End Table, Signed
By Sutherland, John Dickinson
Located in Stamford, CT
John Dickinson Mid-Century Modern Style Sculpted Africa Side / End Table, Signed A painted plaster occasional table signed John Dickinson for Sutherland. The conical top above three stylized large shaped legs inspired by African design. One leg with minor repair. Strong and sturdy. Licensed reproduction by Sutherland. John Dickinson (1920-1982) Model African side table Painted plaster Model originally created in the 1970s Bibliography: J. Lovine & T. Merrill, "Modern Americana...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster, Paint

John Dickinson Hand Carved Maple Burl Wood Sculptural Bowl, 1997
By John Dickinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic live edge organic sculpture constructed from a solid piece of maple burl wood. Modern style with a heavy weight, spikes to side and recessed bowl to center. Signed to bottom 1997. Biography: John Dickinson was born and raised in Delaware. During and immediately after high school, John worked with contractors as a framer building houses in the Wilmington area. From 1978 to 1982, John served the country in the US Coast Guard. In 1985, after earning a BA in geography with a minor in photography at the University of Delaware...
Category

20th Century American John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Maple

Pair of Late 1970s Plaster "Twig" Mirrors by John Dickinson
By John Dickinson
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A spectacular pair of the iconic cast plaster twig mirrors in white paint. John Dickinson was a major California designer (1919-1982) and favorite of decorators for his Nature inspired creations. Textured twigs in an elegant frame...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Plaster

Vintage Boho John Dickinson White Leather Bergere Chairs - a Pair
By John Dickinson
Located in west palm beach, FL
A spectacular pair of vintage Boho Bergere chairs. Made by the iconic John Dickinson group and tagged on the seat. Chic white leather with the most amazing patina from time. Hand carved wooden frame...
Category

Late 20th Century North American John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Leather

John Dickinson Mid-Century Modern Style Drape End Table, Galvanized Steel Signed
By Sutherland, John Dickinson
Located in Stamford, CT
John Dickinson Mid-Century Modern Style Drape End Table, Galvanized Steel Signed Priced well below site as well as market value is this fine work of this San Francisco-based designe...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Original Production John Dickinson Galvanized Steel Drape End Table, Signed
By John Dickinson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and high-sought after collectors item is the John Dickinson model #107 drape end table with trompe-l'œil fabric motif in galvanized steel and brass binding. This piece of functional fine art is suited for a design collector, art investor or an interior designer looking to impress a hard-to-please client who wants nothing but the best of the best. This iconic 1970s American design by John Dickinson was later produced by Sutherland, and even the Sutherland examples have great worth and collectibility. But nothing compares to the originals, like this one. An interior steel frame with adjustable feet gives this table ample sturdiness and is suited for regular every-day use - but can also be used as an impressive stand-alone sculpture. Original John Dickinson pieces are exceptionally hard to find. This example of the galvanized steel trompe l'oeil draped tablecloth table...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

John Dickinson Prototype African Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco
By John Dickinson
Located in Chicago, IL
John Dickinson Prototype African table from the Firehouse, SanFrancisco; Painted wood. This unique table anchored the seating area in the Firehouse where Dickinson would entertain h...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Wood

John Dickinson King Size Four-Poster Bed from the Firehouse
By John Dickinson
Located in Chicago, IL
John Dickinson king size four poster bed from the firehouse Hand carved and stained mahogany. Mattress size is California King. Shown in The ...
Category

1970s American Early Victorian Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Rare John Dickinson Stacked Books End Tables
By John Dickinson, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of very rare John Dickinson bibliotheque end tables, a very limited edition design from Drexel's Et Cetera collection. Three large Shakespeare books make up the tabletop, with t...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Metal

John Dickinson Sculpture
By John Dickinson
Located in Chicago, IL
Driftwood sculpture selected by John Dickinson for the Historic Firehouse, San Fransisco. Placed in John's bedroom on the same cases shown, (also available) Custom brass display mount...
Category

1970s American American Craftsman Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Brass

Signed John Dickinson Table
By John Dickinson
Located in Nashville, TN
Galvanized metal table in the stye of a draped table with brass trim.
Category

1960s American Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
By John Eric Byers
Located in Geneve, CH
Maple low table sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 33 x 107 x 198 cm Materials: Carved blackened maple All works are individually handmade to order. John Eric Byers crea...
Category

2010s American Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Maple

Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
H 77.96 in W 42.13 in D 13 in
Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
By John Eric Byers
Located in Geneve, CH
Maple low table sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 33 x 71 x 198 cm Materials: Carved blackened Maple All works are individually handmade to order. John Eric Byers creat...
Category

2010s American Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Maple

Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
Maple Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers
H 77.96 in W 27.96 in D 13 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Side Table Bronze Patina Finish and Painted Wood
By Vivian Carbonell
Located in Miami, FL
The 'Django' side table design was inspired by Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of graceful simplicity. The solid metal frame is shown in a bronze patina honed finish. The painted finish...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Steel

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Style Teak Wood Side Table
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Single slab reclaimed teak wood side table with a natural oil finish revealing the beautiful grain in the wood. Floating on mid century style legs. Own an Andrianna Shamaris origi...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Very Fine and Rare 19th Century Overmantle Mirror by John Taylor & Son’s
By John Taylor
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and rare 19th Century overmantle mirror of large proportions. The mirror glass plate of rectangular form set within a stunni...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

1970s Henredon French Louis XV Bergère Chairs, a Pair
By Henredon
Located in Harlingen, TX
A late 1970s pair of French Louis XV style bergère chairs by Henredon. Carved and channeled wood frames with tonal cream finish. Cotton canvas upholstery fabric in beige-gray, tan, c...
Category

1970s North American Louis XV Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

1970s XL Gilded Wall Mirror by Deknudt, Belgium
By Deknudt
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stylish XL wall mirror by Deknudt Belgium. Deknudt Luxury High Quality mirrors Made in Belgium. This XL gilded mirror dates from the 1970s. It's a l...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Hollywood Regency John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Sewing Basket End Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage modern side table features a pull-out woven basket and a large drawer with unique circular pulls. Sleek and sturdy design with stretchers in between each tapered leg...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Rosewood End Table
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning John Stuart vintage modern end table. The unique two-tier design offers plenty of room for storage with a sleek overhang on top. Gorg...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Rope & Tassel Plaster Side Table Style of John Dickinson
By John Dickinson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant plaster side table with faux drape and rope with tassels decorations. Style of John Dickinson. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, see pics. Can be p...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Nice Pair of White Washed Walnut Carved Swan Tub Style Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These are beautifully done chairs with a splash fo white wash and some natural walnut showing through. The upholstery is vintage so expect stains as shown in the photos. If you want ...
Category

1980s Unknown Regency Revival Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair Signed Maison Jansen White Painted Louis XVI Bergère Lounge Chairs C1940
By Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a signed pair of Maison Jansen bergère chairs with some subtle yellow highlights and in good condition. The chairs each measure 35 tall x 27 wide x 27 deep and the seat heigh...
Category

1940s French Louis XVI Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Beech

Previously Available Items
John Dickinson Rare and Important "African" Plaster End Table
By John Dickinson
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover an exquisite masterpiece of art and design with this rare and iconic African end table by the legendary John Dickinson (American 1920 - 1982). Model 101-A. Hand-crafted ci...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Steel

Vintage Signed John Dickinson Africa Table
By John Dickinson
Located in Dallas, TX
A vintage plaster 'Africa' table designed by John Dickinson. Beautiful patina to table with minimal wear. Signed to bottom of one foot "John Dickinson / San Francisco".
Category

1970s Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Leather and Lacquered Side Tables by John Dickinson for Randolf & Hein
By John Dickinson, Randolph & Hein
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This pair of side tables were designed by John Dickinson and were put into production by San Francisco based furniture makers Randolf & Hein. Exhibiting all the hallmarks of Dickinso...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

John Dickinson Two-Legged Zoomorphic Console Table, Prototype in Plaster
By John Dickinson, Sutherlands
Located in Dallas, TX
This is the Prototype of the Two-Legged Zoomorphic console table from the series eventually produced by David Sutherland. An extraordinary John Dickin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Rare Plaster Etruscan Table by John Dickinson, United States, c. 1975
By John Dickinson
Located in New York City, NY
Plaster Etruscan Table by John Dickinson, United States, c. 1975. This rare and important example of 1970s American design has been well-preserved a...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Boho John Dickinson Draped Plaster Side Tables, a Pair
By John Dickinson
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage John Dickinson side tables. Iconic draped plaster design with a rope tie. Two tone finish to feature the drape look. A...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Rope, Plaster

Vintage Boho John Dickinson Draped Plaster Side Tables, a Pair
By John Dickinson
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage John Dickinson side tables. Iconic draped plaster design with a rope tie. Two tone finish to feature the drape look. A...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Rope, Plaster

Vintage Plaster John Dickinson Draped Knot Floor Lamp
By John Dickinson
Located in west palm beach, FL
An iconic vintage John Dickinson floor lamp. Beautiful draped design with the classic knot design. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Bohemian John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

John Dickinson Post-Modern Tromp L'oeil Table
By John Dickinson
Located in Raleigh, NC
An outstanding post-modern statement piece realized in galvanized steel and brass. This tromp l'oeil console shows age and signs of use but still looks wonderful. Signed John Dick...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

John Dickinson Pair of Rare End Tables with Wood Motif 1970s, 'Signed'
By John Dickinson
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare end tables, model 102, in cast plaster over rebar with wood motif by John Dickinson, American late-1970's (signed "John Dickinson San Francisc...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Steel

John Dickinson Plaster Lamp
By John Dickinson
Located in Pasadena, CA
A plaster lamp in the form of a drape by designer John Dickinson. Wired and in working condition.
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Plaster

John Dickinson Plaster Lamp
John Dickinson Plaster Lamp
H 24 in W 9.25 in D 8.25 in
Rare 1970's Custom Designed John Dickinson Sofa
By John Dickinson
Located in New York, NY
Stunning custom designed sofa by John Dickinson Newly reupholstered in a luxurious fabric.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Dickinson Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

John Dickinson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

John Dickinson furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of John Dickinson furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by John Dickinson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Harrison Van Horn, Robert Josten, and Tropi-cal. Prices for John Dickinson furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,440 and can go as high as $87,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $14,700.

Recently Viewed

View All