Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
1960s
Model 400
USA
Teak and steel
38.5cm high, 167cm wide, 47cm deep
Born in Italy in 1915, Harry Bertoia became a prominent sculptor and furniture designer in the United States. After settling there in 1930, he studied at renowned institutions like the Society of Arts and Crafts in Detroit and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. His encounters with influential figures like Walter Gropius, Charles, and Ray Eames shaped his artistic vision. In 1950, at the invitation of Florence Knoll, he established his studio in Pennsylvania, where he crafted innovative furniture designs incorporating welded and moulded wire.
His collaboration with Knoll International produced iconic pieces like the Diamond chair and the Model 400 bench (1952-53), celebrated for their sculptural quality. Bertoia's artistic pursuits extended beyond furniture, encompassing large-scale sculptures known as Sonambient. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and his work is featured in prestigious collections worldwide. He passed away in 1978, leaving behind a lasting legacy in design and art.