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A Short History of the Bertoia Wire Chairs

In the late 1940s, Harry Bertoia, an Italian-born sculptor, was working with Charles Eames on ergonomic studies that would be used to create practical forms for furniture. In the period from 1950-1954, after parting ways with the Eames Office, Bertoia produced the five wire pieces that became known as the Bertoia Collection for Knoll. Innovative, comfortable and strikingly handsome, the chairs have a delicate appearance that belies their strength and durability.

In Bertoia's own words, "If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them."

A classic, modern design that enhances any environment, Bertoia's wire chairs remain a fascinating study in bent metal and a fixture of mid-century design.