Harry Bertoia

Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) was a complete and gifted artist. He taught jewelry design and metal work at the Cranbrook Academy. In 1946 he moved to California to help Charles Eames develop methods of laminating and bending plywood. Florence and Hans Knoll traveled to California and encouraged Bertoia to set up his own metal shop in a corner of Knoll’s production facility. His iconic wire furniture collection, introduced in 1952, is recognized worldwide as one of the great achievements of 20th century furniture design. Bertoia continued to be involved in the Knoll story by providing sculptures and architectural installations for Planning Unit projects.