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 lloyd manufacturing co., Kem Weber
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
Art Deco Burl Wood Console Table, France, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A French modernist Art Deco console table from the 1930s, executed in figured wood veneer with a high-gloss finish that highlights the natural grain. The design is built around a cen...
Burl
Period Art Deco Console Table 1930s Furniture
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An elegant Art Deco console table of striking architectural form, beautifully crafted and raised upon bold ebonised plinth bases Circa 1930s The table is veneered in exceptionally at...
Wood
Spanish Console Table with Four Carved Drawers, 1930s
Located in Miami, FL
This large Spanish piece of furniture from the early 20th century features a beautiful rectangular one-slat countertop on four large carved drawers. Each drawer, with slightly differ...
Walnut
$2,900
H 29.25 in W 47.625 in D 29.75 in
Kem Weber Desk for Heywood Wakefield, Mid Century Modern Office Desk, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Kem Weber
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Trimline desk was designed by Kem Weber for Heywood Wakefield circa 1950. With clean lines and minimalist appeal the design of the Trimline desk bridg...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Vintage Laminate Burl Wood and Chrome Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage console table is a refined expression of mid-century modern design, pairing organic warmth with sleek industrial elegance. The tabletop is finished in richly patterned b...
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
$4,496
H 30.32 in W 39.77 in D 19.69 in
Ico Parisi Rectangular Midcentury Italian Writing Table Desk, 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Roma, Lazio
Charming desk from the characteristic Italian style of Ico Parisi. The table has a very clean line and architecturally a beautiful design. The wooden structure of the desk is comple...
Brass
Writing Desk in High Gloss Lacquer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a wonderfully versatile and useful piece of furniture. I personally used it as a desk in our showroom for several years. It is now newly lacquered in high gloss dove white. S...
Wood
$1,881
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Bamboo, Wood and Rattan Writing Table Desk with Chair, Italy 1970s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern bamboo and wicker desk with side bookshelf and the matching chairs. This charming piece is in the typical style of Audoux and Minet where ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Elegant French Art Deco console in wood from the 1930s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1930s / console / wood / Art Deco French Art Deco console in smooth dark wood with beautiful geometric lined legs. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this stunnin...
Wood
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
$1,176
H 33.47 in W 44.1 in D 11.82 in
Italian Neoclassical Console in Lacquered Wood With Marble Top, 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Italian neoclassical console in lacquered wood with marble top, 1930s Intact and in good condition, small signs of aging.
Wood
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