2004.30, Armchair, Karl Emmanuel Martin (Kem) Weber, c. 1928

This highly architectonic chair represents one of Kem Weber's most successful designs from the late 1920s, reflecting his interest in European moderne furniture and anticipating his more streamlined creations of the 1930s.  Introduced in 1928 by the Grand Rapids Chair Company as part of "The Kem Weber Group," the chair eschews painted or carved decoration for the bold effect of wraparound arms and stretchers, a tall back, and rich "sage-green" lacquer.  The use of rear saber legs provides an unexpected homage to traditional chair forms and gently reinforces the appearance of forward motion provided by the dynamic horizontal lines of the arms. 

About 1928: The Grand Rapids Chair Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan

From 2000: Peter Loughry (dealer), Los Angeles, CA [1]

Until 2004: Mark McDonald (dealer), Hudson, NY [1][2]

From 2004: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from Mark McDonald (dealer), Hudson, NY on 9/27/2004 [1][2]

[1] According to the following document found in the DMA object file: Kevin W. Tucker, The Margot B. Perot Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, DMA Acquisition Justification (2004.30), September 14, 2004

[2] According to the following documents found in the DMA object file: DMA Acquisition Consideration form (June 25, 2004), Pallets in Motion shipper receipt (July 19, 2004), DMA Object Receipt from shipper (July 21, 2004), DMA Committee on Collections Agenda (September 22, 2004), DMA Committee on Collections record (September 22, 2004), Mark McDonald (dealer) Invoice to the DMA (September 27, 2004), DMA check #11524 to Mark McDonald (October 15, 2004)

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