Bertoia, Harry

(born March 10, 1915, San Lorenzo, Italy—died Nov. 6, 1978, Barto, Pa., U.S.) Italian-born U.S. sculptor and designer. He attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art and later taught there (1937–43). He worked in California with designer Charles Eames before joining Knoll Associates in New York City in 1950. His achievements there included the Diamond Chair (commonly known as the Bertoia chair), made of polished steel wire and covered with elastic Naugahyde upholstery. He also produced “sound sculptures” that were activated by the wind and numerous works for corporations and public spaces.

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