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Harry Bertoia Chairs

American, Italian, 1915-1978

Sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer, graphic artist and metalsmith, Harry Bertoia was one of the great cross-disciplinarians of 20th-century art and design and a central figure in American mid-century modernism. Among furniture aficionados, Bertoia is known for his chairs such as the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952.

As an artist, he is revered for a style that was his alone. Bertoia’s metal sculptures are by turns expressive and austere, powerful and subtle, intimate in scale and monumental. All embody a tension between the intricacy and precision of Bertoia’s forms and the raw strength of his materials: steel, brass, bronze and copper.

Fortune seemed to guide Bertoia’s artistic development. Born in northeastern Italy, Bertoia immigrated to the United States at age 15, joining an older brother in Detroit. He studied drawing and metalworking in the gifted student program at Cass Technical High School. Recognition led to awards that culminated, in 1937, in a teaching scholarship to attend the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Bloomfield Hills, one of the great crucibles of modernism in America

At Cranbrook, Bertoia made friendships — with architect Eero Saarinen, designers Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Schust Knoll and others — that shaped the course of his life. He taught metalworking at the school, and when materials rationing during World War II limited the availability of metals, Bertoia focused on jewelry design. He also experimented with monotype printmaking, and 19 of his earliest efforts were bought by the Guggenheim Museum.

In 1943, he left Cranbrook to work in California with the Eameses, helping them develop their now-famed plywood furniture. (Bertoia received scant credit.) Late in that decade, Florence and Hans Knoll persuaded him to move east and join Knoll Inc. His chairs became and remain perennial bestsellers. Royalties allowed Bertoia to devote himself full-time to metal sculpture, a medium he began to explore in earnest in 1947.

By the early 1950s Bertoia was receiving commissions for large-scale works from architects — the first came via Saarinen — as he refined his aesthetic vocabulary into two distinct skeins. One comprises his “sounding sculptures” — gongs and “Sonambient” groupings of rods that strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the wind. The other genre encompasses Bertoia’s naturalistic works: abstract sculptures that suggest bushes, flower petals, leaves, dandelions or sprays of grass. 

As you will see on these pages, Harry Bertoia was truly unique; his art and designs manifest a wholly singular combination of delicacy and strength.

Find vintage Harry Bertoia sculptures, armchairs, benches and other furniture and art on 1stDibs.

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Item Ships From: USA
Creator: Harry Bertoia
Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Side Chairs Tan Leather Mid Century Modern
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll wire side chairs. A wonderful set of clean, chic Bertoia wire side chairs featuring lovely beige leather seat ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Chair & Ottoman with Black Upholstery Original 60s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An iconic “Bird Chair” with the matching ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Original black upholstery. Early edition, circa 1960s. The high back design is a modern statement but als...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Diamond Chair Mid Century Modern
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Discover sculptural sophistication with this Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Diamond Chair, a true Mid Century Modern gem. Its intricate and airy wire frame is a triumph of space-defyin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Original 1960s Set of Six Harry Bertoia Side Chairs with Full Seat Covers
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous set was acquired from an original owner who bought the set of six chairs in 1968 from Knoll and I have a copy of the receipts. The chairs are covered in the original re...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Early and Rare 'Pre-Production' Harry Bertoia Small Diamond Chair for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Early production small diamond chair with a very usual double wire seat configuration, the typical wire structure is in place but an additional larger space...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Wire

Pair of Mid Century Modern Bertoia Large Diamond Chairs
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Tulsa, OK
Pair of Mid Century Modern Bertoia Large Diamond Chairs Sold individually at $1738 each. Above average vintage condition and structurally...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Bertoia Large White Wire Diamond Chairs
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Bertoia Large White Wire Diamond Chairs Good vintage condition and structurally sound. Some discoloration on the white white looks to ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Large Knoll Diamond Bertoia Lounge - Single
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Raleigh, NC
1960’s Large Knoll Diamond bertoia lounge designed by Harry Bertoia. Very comfy with rubber pads allowing this lounge to flex for comfort. Bertoia ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of Four Harry Bertoia Designed Child Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here are four Harry Bertoia designed child chair for Knoll. First designed in 1950. All are white.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted Steel
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted Steel. They are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia Baby Size Child Chairs - a Pair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage pair of wire child chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. This iconic chair was originally issued in three sizes. As the smallest size was never reissued, the miniatures...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair Mid Century Harry Bertoia Knoll Diamond Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful pair of vintage, knoll, metal mid century, Harry Bertoia, Diamond Chairs. Nice early Harry Bertoia Diamond Chairs for Knoll. A vintage iconic pair designed by Harry Bertoia manufactured by Knoll features original yellow, removable, vinyl, covered wool and metal frames. Chairs can be used with or without fabric, manufactured early label, on underside with knoll’s 320 Park Avenue address, which housed their offices from 1961 to 1970. The pair dates to the early 1960’s. The diamond chair is an astounding study in space, form and function by one of the master sculptors of the last century. Harry Bertoia’s wire chairs...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Bertoia, Eight White Welded Steel Chairs with Four Red Cushions
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY This set of eight side chairs & four red cushions are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The colors are bright and the cushions are in very good condition. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Custom Powder Coated Green Harry Bertoia Diamond Chairs for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Harry Bertioa for Knoll diamond chairs recently restored and powder coated in a lively apple g green .
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia side chairs by Knoll with original upholstery, mint 1970's
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Harry Bertoia side chairs by Knoll International, 1978 Two available, price is per chair. With original blue upholstery. Manufacturer's label dated 1978. New internal foam...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Chrome

6 Bertoia for Knoll White Metal "Diamond" Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harry Bertoia (Italian/American, 1915-1978) for Knoll "Diamond" chair in newly powder coated white metal with an authentic yellow or grey exterior seat cushions. Design circa 1952. ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Authentic Bird Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by Bertoia as part of his 1952 collection for Knoll, the Bird Chair’s sculptural form, distinctive silhouette, and graceful manipulation of material have made it an importan...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Bird Chair and Ottoman
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Houston, TX
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International bird chair and ottoman. This iconic lounge chair and ottoman were originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 and manufactured by Knoll Interna...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Bertoia Childs Chair for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Classic midcentury child's chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. This example is circa 1960s, it is in good condition, showing only expected cosmetic wear, normal and consistent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wide White Diamond Chair & Ottoman with Pink Upholstery
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia for Knoll wide version diamond chair with ottoman, frames are original white paint an original but faded pink Knoll textile covers. Minor scuffs to f...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Saint Louis, MO
How would you like to show these? Hollywood Regency Palm Springs Parker Hotel? Mid Century Modern Minimalist? Perhaps interchange both. This pair of bar stools came about in 1950 when Italian Sculptor and Furniture Designer Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods to create practical art. Bertoia's bar stool has a filigree appearance that contradicts its strength and durability. In his own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.” Made of bent metal frames finished in chrome with bends and curves to support all of yours, these sexy mid century modern bar stools are comfortable. Photographed along with custom made cushions inspired by Norma's Restaurant at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Custom Cushions add comfort and a cozy experience while traditional Knoll yellow...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Set of Four Vintage Bertoia Chairs
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Stockton, NJ
A set of four vintage Bertoia wire chairs by Knoll. Original red fitted cushions included.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
Fabulous, iconic pair of large "Diamond Chairs" by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Black metal frames and yellow upholstery.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Early Bertoia Wide Diamond Chairs
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in East Hampton, NY
The wide diamond is the largest of the Bertoia seating group and like the bird chair, has shock mounts between the seat and the base which offers an additional measure of comfort. This vintage chair...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Red Diamond Chair, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Bertoia diamond chair measuring 28.75 in H x 40. in W x 29.5 in. What a wonderful addition to your Mid-Century Modern decor.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Pair of White Bertoia Side Chairs with Alligator Cushions
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury white powder-coated steel side chairs by Bertoia, with alligator cushions.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Mid-Century Knoll Bertoia Bird Lounge Chair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bird chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1952. Polished chrome steel upholstered in original red fabric. Foam needs to be replaced.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Early Harry Bertoia Bird / Diamond Chair Set
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s or 1970s, recently recovered and updated with new foam. There is some very minor corrosion on the frames that we have purposefully left for patina. If desired, we will gladl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Classic Knoll Bertoia a Wire Mesh Side Chair, Early Custom Knoll Fabric Cushion
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Vintage Modern Industrial HARRY BERTOIA Wire side chair white 1952 Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.25 D x 18 W Amazing original condition, cust...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Bertoia child's chairs by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
The classic Bertoia wire chair was produced in the standard size for adults, but also in two smaller sizes for children. This pair is the larger of the two kid's sizes. They were often marketed with the Noguchi cyclone side table as a diminutive version of the dinette set to be used as a child's activity table...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Harry Bertoia chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Harry Bertoia chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Harry Bertoia were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Paul McCobb, Charles Eames, and Eero Saarinen. Prices for Harry Bertoia chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $7,685, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,967.
Questions About Harry Bertoia Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The diamond chair was made using welded steel with rods in either chrome or bonded rilsan. The chair was scratch, chip, and chemical resistant. You can shop a selection of Bertoia Diamond chairs from some of the world’s top enthusiasts on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not a Harry Bertoia chair is comfortable really comes down to a matter of personal preference, but there are a lot of positive reviews pertaining to how comfortable the Italian-born American designer’s seating is. Among furniture aficionados he is known for the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952. Shop a selection of Bertoia chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

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