my design fix

B is for Bertoia

This is the second post in a series of 26 on modern design icons (inspired by the Alphabet of Design Classics Poster by Blue Ant Studios.)

Bertoia Diamond Lounge (1950)

Harry Bertoia’s 1950 experiment with bending metal rods into practical art produced a revered collection of seating, including the exquisite Large Diamond chair. Innovative, comfortable and strikingly handsome, the chair’s delicate appearance belies its strength and durability. In Bertoia’s own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.”

Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) was born in Italy and while visiting his brother in America, chose to stay and enrolled at Cass Technical High School where he studied art and design and learned to make handmade jewellery. In 1937 he received a scholarship to Cranbrook Academy of Art where he met Charles and Ray Eames for the first time. In 1950, after working with Eames’ for a number of years he moved to Pennsylvania, to establish a studio, and to work with Hans and Florence Knoll. (Florence was also a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate). He designed five wire pieces that became known as the Bertoia Collection for Knoll.

They were also produced with varying degrees of upholstery over the steel wire grid-work as shown below.

For more information on Harry Bertoia and the Diamond Lounge visit the Knoll website here.

Related Post:

• Alphabet of Design Classics Poster – Blue Ant Studios
• A is for Aalto – Aalto Vase (1936)