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.
Kem Weber Desk for Heywood Wakefield, Mid Century Modern Office Desk, 1950s
By Kem Weber, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
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
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
Vintage Art Deco Kem Weber Petite Desk for Lloyd / Gilbert Rohde Troy
By Kem Weber
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Rare Kem Weber Petite desk for Lloyd early Label attached. Gilbert Rohde style
Chrome
Walnut Art Deco Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Outlined in a sleek, stepped motif, this exquisite piece is finished in a rich figured walnut, exuding warmth and sophistication. The streamlined form, tapered legs, and metal-capped...
Wood
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
$7,200
H 56 in W 26 in D 28 in
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Amorphous Kidney Paldao Desk..Art Deco/Modernist
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Important American desk manufactured by Herman Miller, a kidney shaped desk designed by Gilbert Rohde circa 1941 for his Paldao line. This desk pack everything you need. Exotic pal...
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s. Rare and early freestanding Scandinavian Modern boomerang teak writing desk made in Denmark in the early 1950s. Asymmetrical...
Oak, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Wishbone Side Table by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century modern “Wishbone” side table by Heywood-Wakefield, crafted from solid maple. Features the brand’s signature sculptural lines and warm honey finish—an elegant and ...
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Dining Table
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century dining table Table measures: 50 wide x 34 deep x 29.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Wood
Art Deco Table Desk by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell No.475
By Wolfgang Hoffmann
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Simple streamline table/desk designed by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell Prod. No. 475. Solid, completely original and in very good condition. Black ena...
Metal
Black Art Deco desk
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Black Desk This Art Deco desk from France is an outstanding example of the symbiosis of luxury and functionality. A characteristic piece of furniture from this era, it combines geome...
Hardwood
Antique Heywood-Wakefield Style Mission Oak & Wicker Writing Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This antique desk from the early 20th century Mission movement features a well-kept solid oak top, wicker storage baskets, and a sizable drawer for ample storage. The wicker-wrapped ...
Wicker, Wood, Oak
Art Deco Desk / Vanity
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dark brown mahogany wood desk with Art Deco hardware. Attributed to Ralph Lauren for office or bedroom use. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Mahogany
$4,369
H 29.53 in W 52.76 in D 29.14 in
Vintage Art Deco Mahogany Writing Desk, Danish Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A calm and solid piece that holds its space with ease. The Mahogany desk is made in the 1950s Denmark and is in very good condition. The surface shows light signs of use, and overall...
Brass
Franlk Lloyd Wright Desk
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Apeldoorn, GE
The Meyer May Desk, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in collaboration with George Niedecken for the Meyer May House in 1908, was reissued by Cassina in 1996 as part of the "Cassina I M...
Wood
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
KEM Weber for Heywood Wakefield Trimline Desk
By Kem Weber, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
An exceptional collaboration between Kem Weber and Heywood Wakefield created this amazing industrial Modern / Mid-Century Modern desk. A combination of steel, maple and laminate. Vib...
Steel