Martin/F. Weber

About Martin/F. Weber

For a century and a half, the name Weber has meant quality art materials. Established in 1853 in Philadelphia, PA, Martin/F. Weber Co. is the oldest manufacturer of art materials in the USA. Originating in 1853 as Scholz & Co., the company became F. Weber & Co. in 1887, under Frederick Weber. Through the 19th century, F. Weber & Co. offered a wide range of imported and manufactured products. The disruption of commerce during World War I caused American artists to seek more American made materials, creating an opportunity for Weber to expand its manufacturing. By the early 1920’s, in addition to manufacturing and distribution, F. Weber and Company also had three retail stores; in Philadelphia, Baltimore and St. Louis. After the death of Mr. Weber in 1919, his sons, Frederick (Fred) and Ernest, incorporated the company. Fred became Technical Director. A creative artist and chemist, as well as author of artists’ materials books, he developed many new products. In the 1930’s Mr. Weber introduced new pigments to the industry with excellent lightfastness and reduced toxicity to the artist and synthetic varnishes to replace the less stable natural materials. Turpenoid, an exceptional odorless turpentine replacement, was introduced in the 1950’s. This remarkably early commitment to the development of safer art materials continues to the present. In 1961, Weber was purchased by Visual Art Industries, which had created the first signature art sets with Jon Gnagy. Since its purchase in 1980 by the Kapp family, the now-named, Martin/F. Weber Co. produces an ever widening range of exceptional art materials.

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