PA Spotlight: Harry Bertoia

You should probably recognize that last name, as in the Bertoia Chair. That’s right, Harry Bertoia (shown third from right in his diamond chair) lived in Pennsylvania for many years of his life and his family grew here in Barto, Pennsylvania. He was mostly known for his widely popular furniture, but was also a sculptor and university lecturer. He introduced wire rods into the furniture design scene in 1952 and worked with Charles Eames to develop his signature molded plywood chairs. How’s that for a resume?

I managed to grow up loving his chairs, but never really knew of him until I did some research. My uncle worked for a company that plastic-coated the wire rod chairs and my family had an entire set of the side chairs as well as a few of the kid-sized side chairs. Mom and Dad still have them today and although not in perfect condition, are still works of art.

Harry Bertoia was born in Italy and while visiting his brother in America, chose to stay and enrolled at Cass Technical High School where he studied art and design and learned to make handmade jewelry. In 1937 he received a scholarship to Cranbrook Academy of Art where he met Charles and Ray Eames for the first time. In 1950, he moved to Pennsylvania, to establish a studio, and to work with Hans and Florence Knoll. (Florence was also a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate). He designed five wire pieces that became known as the Bertoia Collection for Knoll. (shown above)

In 1957 Harry Bertoia devoted his time to his sculptural work and by stretching and bending metal, he made his sculptures able to respond to wind or to touch, creating different tones. With this discovery he performed in a number of concerts and even produced a series of nine albums. I was lucky enough to meet with his son, Val, who continues in artistic endeavors at the same studio where his father created many of his well known works of art.

Bonus Tidbit: Harry Bertoia designed and created wedding rings for Charles and Ray Eames.