Architect and designer Kem Weber arrived in the United States in the vanguard of a wave of progressive Central European talents — among them, Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, Paul T. Frankl and Ilonka Karascz — who would profoundly affect the course of modernism in the United States. In his new home, Weber created a wholly American form of modern design that is sleek and stylish, yet comfortable and practical.
Karl Emanuel Martin Weber — “Kem” was his self-styled nom d’usage — was born and trained in Berlin. In 1914, he became an accidental immigrant to the U.S.. Sent to San Francisco by his teacher-turned-employer, architect Bruno Paul, to oversee an installation at a global design expo, Weber was marooned by the outbreak of World War I. But he quickly grew to love California, even if his early years there were difficult. When design commissions were hard to find, he took jobs as a lumberjack, chicken farmer and art school teacher. (He gained U.S. citizenship in 1924.)
In the mid-1920s, while working for the Los Angeles–based Barker Bros. department store — the largest furniture retailer in the country at the time — Weber regularly traveled around the nation to deliver lectures on modernism. His reputation as a champion of a new, clean and elegant style earned him architectural commissions and contracts to design furniture and items such silverware, coffee services and cocktail shakers. His masterpiece is the Airline lounge chair, designed 1934-1935. With its raked, gently angular frame and cantilevered seat, the chair suggests movement, speed and forward progress. Though it seemed perfect for mass production, Weber was never able to convince a major manufacturer to take it on. In the end, fewer than 300 Airline chairs were made. Today, those may be the rarest examples of Weber’s work, but are always worth looking out for. As you will see on these pages, his designs are both intelligent and stylish. They deserve to be a part of any serious collection of American modernism.
Rare Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber https://www.themagazineantiques. com/article/kem-weber-southern-california/
Chrome, Steel
Kem Weber, Console Table, Wood, Chrome Metal, USA, 1930s
By Kem Weber, lloyd manufacturing co.
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and chrome plated metal console table designed by KEM Weber and produced by Lloyd Manufacturing Co. USA, 1930s. With manufacturers label to underside.
Chrome
Spanish 19th century Writing Table - Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
A charming later 19th century Writing Table - Desk from the Catalan region of Spain. Soundly constructed from natural and painted pine with a single drawer, "X" stretchers and sligh...
Pine
Kem Weber Trimline for Heywood Wakefield Desk and Chair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Kem Weber
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very cool looking desk and matching chair designed by Kem Weber for Heywood Wakefield’s Trimline group. The desk has a great green laminate top. The matching chair is wood and stee...
Steel
Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian antique desk writing table with great veneer wood marquetry decorations, central drawer and nicely carved legs. Ideal in any room as a table or a stand alone cen...
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Mahogany Console Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Provence, this French Art Deco console table reflects the refined modernism of the 1930s–40s period. Crafted in mahogany, the piece showcases a rich, warm finish with subt...
Mahogany
Art Deco Console Table, Spain c. 1930s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Console table with fluted apron and twisted column legs resting on carved footed bases. Dark stained wood with rich patina. Made in Spain, circa 1930s. Wear consistent with age and u...
Beech
$3,600
H 30 in W 30 in D 18 in
Cerused Oak Black and White Small One Drawer Console Writing Table Desk
By Jay Spectre
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern cerused oak small petit desk writing table or console with round solid brass pulls.
Oak
Burl Wood and Metal Console Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a unique surface using contrasting squares of burl wood, this Mid-Century Modern console table features an interesting base of metal with a yellowish golden tint. Please confirm...
Metal
$2,765
H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 16.54 in
1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Brass Small Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table secretaire, in beautiful decorated and veneer wood with three drawers and covered sides. This beautiful p...
Brass
Richard Watson Writing Desk in Walnut
By Richard Watson
Located in Brookline, MA
The writing desk is inspired by a classic writing table originally intended for writing letters by hand. As in the traditional table, there are disc...
Wood
Single Tier Table by KEM Weber
By lloyd manufacturing co., Kem Weber
Located in South Charleston, WV
Streamline Moderne iconic design by Karl Emanuel Martin (K.E.M.) Weber designed in 1935 and manufactured '35-37 by Lloyd Manufacturing. Comes with rare provenance - a copy of original receipt from July 1935. Measures: 28.75" wide, 16.5" deep and 19.75" tall. Tubular steel with chrome plating. Table top has had the lacquer buffed and a seal coat...
Steel, Chrome
$4,800
H 30 in W 60 in D 34 in
Art Deco / Machine Age eXEcutive Desk, Chrysler Presentation attr, Kem Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very unusual Art Deco / Machine AGE dESK, Retains original metal badge/plaque which reads "Presented to A .P. Bergeron for outstanding Chrysler Sales". dated c.1940, but I believe th...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
$3,500
H 31 in W 50 in D 20 in
21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces. Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk Beautiful and elegant design Perfect finished. Overall dimensions: 127 cm W x 51 cm D x 8...
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 60 in D 20 in
Art Deco Machine Age Console Table by KEM Weber for Lloyd Furniture c. 1930's
By Kem Weber, lloyd manufacturing co.
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Art Deco, Machine Age console table designed by KEM Weber for Lloyd Furniture Company circa 1930's. The table features a stylized tubular chrome...
Chrome