Kem Weber (1889-1960), a well-known mid-century architect, was part of the distinctive West Coast modernism movement that helped shaped the relaxed California lifestyle. He influenced California style during the mid-twentieth century with buildings architecture, interior designs and furniture, including his famed Air Line chair, which is part of many museum furniture collections. As chief designer for the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank in 1939, Kem Weber also designed the specialised animation furniture that went into the then new studio complex. The Disney animation furniture, which has been lauded in recent years, was designed for specific animation disciplines with input from the artists that would be using it. It was all part of Walt Disney's desire to create an efficient utopian campus for animated film production. This book is a comprehensive overview of the Kem Weber designed Disney animation furniture that takes the reader on a journey from concept sketches and photos to interviews with legendary artists. David A Bossert celebrates and details the form and function of this unique mid-century furniture and the impact it had on the Disney animation process over the decades.
Reviews
"In his authoritative new work, Kem Weber: Furniture Designs for the Disney Studios , Dave Bossert once again shows a fusion of erudition and passion for his subject, introducing a new generation to a remarkable and sadly-neglected artist, and documenting the significant and timeless cross-disciplinary design portfolio he created for Walt Disney." Jeff Kurtti, Disney historian and author, The Art of Tangled A feature article titled, "Dave Bossert Wrote the Book on Disney Animation Furniture" by Joanna Werch Takes. An interview with the author of Kem Weber: Mid-Century Furniture Designs for the Disney Studios , and his views on this unique specialty furniture that was the foundation for the creation of many of the Disney animated classics. WoodworkersJournal.com
"Walt Disney's studio lot in Burbank was an animator's utopia, thanks in large part to the designs of Kem Weber. His influence could be felt from the architecture of the buildings to the custom furniture created for the various animation disciplines. Disney fans have no doubt seen it before through behind-the-scenes photos or Disney Archives exhibits, but few have touched it or sat in it. But you'll feel like you have when you read Dave Bossert's newest book, a dream project called Kem Weber: Mid-Century Designs for the Disney Studios ." Alex Reif, https://www.laughingplace.com a Nominee: IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards www.ibpa-online.org/news/440987/31st-Annual-IBPA-Benjamin-Franklin-Awards.htm
"Mapping the intersection of utility and style, this book examines the architecture and furniture of Kem Weber and how his aesthetic complimented the working culture of Disney Studios. Pairing original illustrations, photographs and descriptions of Weber's furniture alongside anecdotes from the artists who worked on it." The US Review of Books


Awards
Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Bill Fisher Award - Nonfiction) 2019.



Book Information
ISBN 9781732602007
Author David A. Bossert
Format Hardback
Page Count 136
Imprint The Old Mill Press
Publisher The Old Mill Press
Weight(grams) 892g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 9mm * 279mm