Kem Weber: Mid-Century Furniture Designs for the Disney Studios

First off, these designs are not “mid-Century.” The title is misleading, and I suspect the author gave it that title because of the current popularity of “mid-century” aesthetics. Kem Weber worked in the “streamline” style of the 1920s and 1930s. His designs for Disney’s Burbank studios were heavily influenced by the era, and not indicative of the “mid-century” design era that followed during the post-War era. But, this book is well put together, with great images of the furniture. Though, the author inserts amateurish iPhone photos of current places throughout the book, for unknown reasons (probably too cheap to hire a photographer or purchase rights of professional photos). The book has many interesting images of Weber’s designs and how they were used in the Burbank studios. But this book will only be for people that are uniquely obsessed.

I'm NOT a book reviewer! Just got my copy today, so no word-by-word review will be forthcoming. However, I perused the book. Serious reading will come later. My earlier thoughts were that I don't care about furniture, why should I care about this book? Three reasons: 1) I've learned to trust specific Disney-related authors. Dave Bossert is one of them. If he publishes something, I've gotta give it some serious consideration. 2) Dave's DocuMinute videos on Facebook. Brilliant, Dave. You had me at "Hi, I'm Dave Bossert, here at the Disney Studio." I was undone! You could have been selling brushes, and I'd be on board! 3) Photos, photos, photos!! I've simply thumbed through the book. I'm sure the text will be awesome, but there are so many photos I've never seen before. So, yes... this book is about Kem Weber, his designs, and his furniture. But it's more!! It's about the Disney Studio in the late 30's and early 40's, and it is well worth your consideration! Humbly submitted from this totally unqualified book reviewer.

The relationship Kem Weber had with Walt Disney and the Disney Studios is fascinating. The animator's desk that Kem created is, in my opinion, a masterpiece. I can only imagine the animators sitting at their desk with the sunlight flowing through the windows of the Disney Studios in Burbank years ago. Probably my favorite is the Air Line Chair, a design years ahead of it's time.Dave Bosset's writing style gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into the history and designs of Kem Weber. This book is a must have for any Walt Disney historical fan.

Over the years I knew of Kem Weber as the designer of the furniture around the Disney animation studio. It had a beautiful sleek design, but remained functional, and many artists who worked on it often held a reverential appreciation for Weber. I know this, because I worked at the studio, and even today I own some of the more modern recreated Weber furniture that the studio parted with when they decided to be primarily a digital production facility. One thing I did NOT know, was that Weber also designed the actual studio, too. It all makes sense now that there was such a cohesive visual look to the buildings as well as the furniture, and even the signage around the studio. Dave Bossert's book wonderfully delves into the history of Weber's involvement with Walt Disney, complete with conceptual drawings and photographs to elevate the appreciation of Weber's designs. It is a must have for anyone interested in hand-drawn Disney animated movies. After all, Kem Weber provided the foundation upon which Disney greatness was made.

Once again, Dave Bossert has crafted a wonderful look at a piece of our recent history. This time instead of looking at the animation that made Disney such a household name, he looks at the furniture those classic animated films were drawn on. The furniture you say? YES. Just as Disney and its artists meticulously crafted each animated film and short, so to were the desks, chairs, lights and buildings they worked in. Its a great piece of mid-century history that has, until this point never been told. Kem Weber's genius is on full display here with incredible photographs all laid out and told with such love and reference for the source material. Dave has produced another fantastic book tat is worth not only your time but a worthy addition to your collection.

As an owner of a Disney Feature Animation Desk, I really wanted to know more about the history and design of them. I already knew quite a lot, having worked for the company, but there is always more to be learned!This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s perfect for architectural and furniture designers, artists, and Disney fans that want more insight to the various uses and versions of these desks. Walt was always innovative and recruited the best people to deliver his ideas. The collaboration between him and Kem is explored in great detail. I love this book, and you will too!

This book by David Bossert is a real gem. From the beautifully wood-grained book cover, to the elegant, color architectural drawings by Kim Weber and the rich and lavish printing of photographs, not to mention the carefully researched historic prose behind the construction of the Disney Studio in 1938 and the design of animation furniture... this book itself is a work of art.

I heard the author on the Laughing Place podcast and was intrigued. The book is a beautifully designed and comprehensive review of the mid-century furniture that Kem Weber designed for the Disney animation studios. It is a must for any fan of mid-century design and Disney animation, giving great insight into the physical and practical side of animation production. I've read a lot of Disney books and this one covers ground heretofore untouched by others. Highly recommended (as is the author's book on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit).