Masterpieces from Harry Bertoia

Harry Bertoia Born March 10, 1915 in San Lorenzo, Pordenone, Italy. dead November 6, 1978 in Barto, Pennsylvania, United States)

He began taking drawing classes in 1928 before emigrating first to Canada, then to Detroit in 1930. He became a US citizen in 1946.

He designed sound sculptures, monotypes, jewellery and furniture. His "Sounding Sculpture" can be found in the plaza of The Aon Center, Chicago's second tallest building. Another "Sounding Sculpture", in the Rose Terrace of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

In the late 1940s, Bertoia was working with Charles Eames on ergonomic studies that would be used to create practical forms for furniture. In the period from 1950-1954, after parting ways with the Eames Office, Bertoia produced the five wire pieces that became known as the Bertoia Collection for Knoll. Innovative, comfortable and strikingly handsome, the chairs have a delicate appearance that belies their strength and durability.

In Bertoia's own words, "If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them."

A classic, modern design that enhances any environment, Bertoia's wire chairs remain a fascinating study in bent metal and a fixture of mid-century design.