Designs iconic: Five wire chairs of Bertoia - This series takes a look at some of the most famous models and most expensive of the past century. Classic chairs to lighting of the declaration, discover the backstory to some of the most recognizable pieces of the design world and browse the ways to use them in a modern setting.
Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) was an Italian designer born American furniture. In 1937 he attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan on a scholarship, where he studied alongside designers and architects such as Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen and Ray and Charles Eames. Bertoia designed a unique series of furniture in his life - his five wire chairs. Despite producing just a single collection, they have become a staple in modern interiors and is considered one of the great creators of the 20th century.
Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) was an Italian designer born American furniture. In 1937 he attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan on a scholarship, where he studied alongside designers and architects such as Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen and Ray and Charles Eames. Bertoia designed a unique series of furniture in his life - his five wire chairs. Despite producing just a single collection, they have become a staple in modern interiors and is considered one of the great creators of the 20th century.
Kit Republic
A Brief History
So at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bertoia became interested in metalwork, and in a few years he ran his own department, where he taught jewelry design and silversmithing.
He moved to California in 1946 to help develop Charles Eames pieces using plywood, but was dissatisfied with the collaboration.
In 1950, Bertoia was approached by another Cranbrook classmate, Florence Knoll, who asked him to move to Pennsylvania to set up his own studio in the corner of their production studio. He was given great freedom of Florence and her husband, Hans Knoll, to design and create at will. The couple had great faith that he would produce something brilliant if given the freedom to do so.
So at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bertoia became interested in metalwork, and in a few years he ran his own department, where he taught jewelry design and silversmithing.
He moved to California in 1946 to help develop Charles Eames pieces using plywood, but was dissatisfied with the collaboration.
In 1950, Bertoia was approached by another Cranbrook classmate, Florence Knoll, who asked him to move to Pennsylvania to set up his own studio in the corner of their production studio. He was given great freedom of Florence and her husband, Hans Knoll, to design and create at will. The couple had great faith that he would produce something brilliant if given the freedom to do so.
Nanette Wong
the result of his time in Pennsylvania was his son five chairs, which were made from welded mesh. At a time when almost all other furniture designers focused on materials such as wood and plastic, his creations are unique, bold and highly innovative.
The collection for Knoll began production in 1952 and continued to be manufactured by the company since. The five models have become some of the most popular chairs of the past 70 years.
The collection for Knoll began production in 1952 and continued to be manufactured by the company since. The five models have become some of the most popular chairs of the past 70 years.
Bertoia approached its furniture design in the same manner he did his sculpture, and says of his work, " If you look at these chairs, they are mostly air, like sculpture. Space passes through them. "
After designing his series of wire chairs, he moved away from furniture design to focus on sculpture and art.
Take a look at the iconic Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen
After designing his series of wire chairs, he moved away from furniture design to focus on sculpture and art.
Take a look at the iconic Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen
Jessica Helgerson Interior design
chair Bertoia diamond
the shape of the diamond chair is birdlike and elegant, making it a interesting addition to any room. As with all chairs, it can be covered or left exposed. In this room, the white cover of the chair and stool contrast with the black frame to create a chic, monochrome sensation.
the shape of the diamond chair is birdlike and elegant, making it a interesting addition to any room. As with all chairs, it can be covered or left exposed. In this room, the white cover of the chair and stool contrast with the black frame to create a chic, monochrome sensation.
chair Bertoia Side
The Side chair can be spotted in homes across Houzz and is one of the most recognized design chairs from the midcentury. Transparency makes light, with strong lines simultaneously highlighting.
See how to choose the room chair dining perfect
The Side chair can be spotted in homes across Houzz and is one of the most recognized design chairs from the midcentury. Transparency makes light, with strong lines simultaneously highlighting.
See how to choose the room chair dining perfect
jamesthomas Interiors
Bertoia bar stool
the wire bar stool offers height without compromising on style . The steel frame of money gives an extra dimension to the metal feel of this room. Bent steel rods rest on top of four long, straight legs, which makes this elegant stool without effort.
the wire bar stool offers height without compromising on style . The steel frame of money gives an extra dimension to the metal feel of this room. Bent steel rods rest on top of four long, straight legs, which makes this elegant stool without effort.
design twenty7
chair Bertoia Bird
metal carving skills are in full display in the Bird chair. Its ergonomic design is interesting, original and artistic. The gray cover works perfectly with the color scheme of the room, while the wire adds another texture that gives depth to the design. The president Bird is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Bertoia.
metal carving skills are in full display in the Bird chair. Its ergonomic design is interesting, original and artistic. The gray cover works perfectly with the color scheme of the room, while the wire adds another texture that gives depth to the design. The president Bird is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Bertoia.
FORMA Design
Bertoia Asymmetric Lounge chair
Asymmetric Lounge Chair was designed by Bertoia in 1952 with the rest of the collection, but he was not released, and has not passed under prototypical form. In 2005, however, Knoll Bertoia worked with the family to put the chair in full production. It quickly became a famous piece of furniture, and a staple for midcentury design enthusiasts.
Tell us ...
Which of the five pieces of Harry Bertoia is your favorite? We would like to know why in the comments below.
Asymmetric Lounge Chair was designed by Bertoia in 1952 with the rest of the collection, but he was not released, and has not passed under prototypical form. In 2005, however, Knoll Bertoia worked with the family to put the chair in full production. It quickly became a famous piece of furniture, and a staple for midcentury design enthusiasts.
Tell us ...
Which of the five pieces of Harry Bertoia is your favorite? We would like to know why in the comments below.