Bertoia side chair - chrome frame - upholstered seat - designed by Harry Bertoia, 1952. Made by Knoll

Bertoia side chair with chrome frame and seat pad upholstered in Curly 02CU Ivory.

Harry Bertoia’s delicately industrial wire side chairs are among the most recognized achievements of mid-century modern design. Like Saarinen and Mies, Bertoia found sublime grace in an industrial material, elevating it beyond its normal utility into a work of art. The entire 1952 wire collection is an astounding study in space, form and function by one of the master sculptors of the last century and a proud part of the Knoll heritage.

Bertoia however, never considered himself a furniture designer and, despite being a close friend of Eames and latterly Florence Knoll, flatly refused to leave the East Coast to work with Knoll. Eventually he was persuaded to move West with the offer of a permanent free studio space, the only clause being that if, by chance, at some point and with no obligation, he should happen to design some furniture Knoll would be allowed to make it! Well he did, a single perfect collection and the rest is history.

Bertoia continued to be involved in the Knoll story by providing sculptures and architectural installations for Planning Unit projects. Among others he designed the altar sculpture 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.

Bertoia chairs are still hand made today. Each steel rod is bent, positioned and welded by hand before finishing. The upholstery is hand sew in Italy with the same attention to detail.

Dimensions: W 55cm x D 50cm x H 73cm, with a seat height of 45cm.