Kem Weber: Airline Chair

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Description

Kem Weber continuously designed and re-designed his furniture pieces to fit changing consumer needs and updating with new materials. One of his most innovative designs was the Airline Chair. With sleek, modern lines, a streamlined and cantilevered seat, and easy assembly, the chair was not a commercial success when it debuted in 1934. The lightweight curving sides and gently rocking seat and back of the chair were designed to be comfortable in a variety of seating positions. It was also designed to be sold unassembled, in a flat 27 pound box, and assembled at home by the consumer. The concept was many years ahead of its' time.

Creator

Kem Weber, designer
Will Connell, photographer

Source

Karl Emanuel Martin (Kem) Weber papers, Architecture and Design Collection. Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

Date

1934

Rights

Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Copyright restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. University of California Regents.

Citation

Kem Weber, designer Will Connell, photographer, “Kem Weber: Airline Chair,” UCSB ADC Omeka, accessed April 19, 2024, http://www.adc-exhibits.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/239.