Harry Bertoia (1915 - 1978)

Harry Bertoia

Harry Bertoia was an American artist, sculptor and furniture designer of Italian origin. He is best known for his innovative metal sculptures and iconic furniture designs.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Bertoia worked with Charles and Ray Eames in the moulded plywood division of Evans Products Company. It was at this time that he began experimenting with wire as a medium for sculpture and furniture design. The Bertoia Diamond wire mesh chair, introduced in 1952, was one of his most iconic and influential designs. Made by bending and welding wire, the chair combined aesthetic appeal with comfort and functionality.

In his sculptural work, Bertoia often created complex and abstract forms using metal rods and wire. He explored the sonic properties of his sculptures, which led to the creation of his famous 'Sounding Sculptures' series. These large-scale metal sculptures produced ethereal sounds when touched or exposed to the wind.