Peter Schlumbohm

Peter Schlumbohm

Peter Schlumbohm was an American inventor and industrial designer who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and beverage-making. He is best known for inventing the Chemex coffee maker, which is a simple yet elegant glass vessel that uses a paper filter to brew coffee. The Chemex has become an iconic symbol of mid-century modern design and is still widely used today by coffee aficionados and baristas around the world. Schlumbohm was born in Germany in 1896 and immigrated to the United States in 1920. He studied chemistry at the University of Berlin and later earned a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Munich. In the 1930s, he began working as a chemist for the US government and eventually started his own company, Chemex Corporation, in 1941. In addition to the Chemex, Schlumbohm also invented a number of other products, including a cocktail shaker, a tea kettle, and an ice cream scoop. He was known for his minimalist and functional designs, which were inspired by his background in chemistry and his belief in the importance of simplicity and efficiency. Despite his many successes as an inventor and designer, Schlumbohm was also a committed pacifist and social activist. He was a member of the Quaker community and believed strongly in the principles of non-violence and social justice. He was involved in a number of peace and civil rights organizations throughout his life and even designed a prototype for a non-lethal weapon that could be used to disperse crowds without causing harm. Overall, Peter Schlumbohm was a multi-talented and innovative individual who made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry, industrial design, and social activism. His legacy continues to be felt today through his iconic designs and his commitment to making the world a better place.

Peter Schlumbohm, Chemex coffee maker, industrial design, chemistry, minimalist design, pacifism, social activism

— Joseph Jackson