Harry Bertoia, 1915 - 1978

Harry Bertoia, 1915 - 1978

Harry Bertoia was a complete and gifted artist. Knoll historian Brian Lutz once said “Bertoia’s paintings were better than his sculptures. And his sculptures were better than his furniture. And his furniture was absolutely brilliant.”

After studying at the Detroit Technical High School and the Detroit School of Arts and Crafts, Harry Bertoia opened his own metal workshop at Cranbrook where he taught jewelry design and metal work. In 1946 he moved to California to help fellow Cranbrook alumnus Charles Eames develop methods of laminating and bending plywood. Bertoia’s contributions to the famous Eames chairs were crucial if not not well known.

On the suggestion of Herbert Matter, who had worked alongside Eames and Bertoia, Florence and Hans traveled to California and encouraged Bertoia to move east and set up his own metal shop in a corner of Knoll’s production facility. Having studied with Bertoia at Cranbrook, Florence was sure that he would produce something extraordinary if given the time and space to experiment.

Characteristic of the early environment at Knoll, Hans and Florence never demanded that Bertoia design furniture, but instead encouraged him to explore whatever he liked. They simply asked that if he arrived at something interesting, to show them. Needless to say, Harry Bertoia arrived at something outstanding. His iconic wire furniture collection, introduced in 1952, is recognized worldwide as one of the great achievements of 20th century furniture design.

While he only designed one series of furniture, Bertoia continued to be involved in the Knoll story by providing sculptures and architectural installations for Planning Unit projects. He designed an altar for the MIT Chapel, designed by Eero Saarinen. Bertoia spent the next 25 years of his life experimenting with light, sound and volume through sculptures, paintings and architectural installations.

Today Knoll carries on Harry Bertoia’s legacy of innovation, inspiration, and beauty with the Bertoia collection, which has been in continuous production around the world since its introduction.

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SALE
Knoll Bertoia Diamond Chair Delite Onyx Knoll Bertoia Diamond Chair Chrome Frame Delite Onyx Cushion Back View
KnollKnoll Bertoia Diamond Chair with Seatpad
Sale price$1,367.20 Regular price$1,709.00
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SALE
Vinyl WhiteBertoia Diamond Chair Gold White Vinyl Cushion Back View Knoll
KnollBertoia Diamond Chair GOLD
Sale price$2,377.60 Regular price$2,972.00
SALE
Knoll Bertoia Side Chair in Polished Chrome with Black Seat PadHarry Bertoia Side Chair Chrome Red Cushion Front Knoll
KnollKnoll Bertoia Side Chair
Sale price$694.40 Regular price$868.00
SALE
Knoll Bertoia Molded Side Chair White Shell Black BaseWhite-White Frame
KnollBertoia Molded Shell Side Chair
Sale price$340.80 Regular price$426.00
SALE
Harry Bertoia Barstool Chrome White Cushion Front KnollHarry Bertoia Barstools Chrome Red Cushions Knoll
KnollKnoll Bertoia Bar & Counter Stool
Sale price$1,229.60 Regular price$1,537.00
SALE
Harry Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise White Cushion KnollBertoia Asymmetric Chaise from Behind with Shadow
KnollBertoia Asymmetric Chaise, Optional Cushion
Sale price$7,942.40 Regular price$9,928.00
SALE
Classic Boucle AegeanBertoia Bird Chair from Behind with Teal Cover Knoll
KnollBertoia Bird Chair
Sale price$3,448.80 Regular price$4,311.00
SALE
Stainless SteelBertoia Bench Teak and Stainless Steel Angled View Knoll
KnollKnoll Bertoia Bench - Outdoor
Sale price$2,015.20 Regular price$2,519.00
KnollChild's Bertoia Diamond Chair
Sale price$999.00
SALE
Knoll Bertoia Bench Indoor Black Black
KnollKnoll Bertoia Bench - Indoor
Sale price$2,730.40 Regular price$3,413.00
SALE
Knoll Bertoia Leather Side Chair Natural Leather-Black Frame
KnollKnoll Bertoia Leather Side Chair
Sale price$1,583.20 Regular price$1,979.00
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SALE
Bertoia Molded Shell Bar and Counter Stools by KnollOrange Red-White Frame
KnollKnoll Bertoia Molded Shell Bar & Counter Stools
Sale price$565.60 Regular price$707.00
SALE
Bertoia Leather Bar Stool by Knoll Natural Leather-Chrome Frame
KnollKnoll Bertoia Leather Covered Bar & Counter Stools
Sale price$1,859.20 Regular price$2,324.00
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