Harry Bertoia was born in Italy in 1915. He was an artist, art sculptor, and furniture designer. He emigrated to Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 15.
He studied art and design at Cass Technical High School and Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he met Walter Gropius, Charles and Ray Eames, and Florence Knoll.
Initially focused on painting and jewelry, Bertoia headed the metalworking department at Cranbrook in 1939.
In 1943, Bertoia moved to California to work with Charles and Ray Eames on the manufacture of wooden furniture.
Bertoia created numerous large-scale public sculptures. In 1950, he moved to Pennsylvania to work with Hans and Florence Knoll.
His "Sonambient" sculptures, created starting in the 1960s, produced unique and haunting sounds when moved by air or touch.
He received several awards:
The Gold Medal from the Architectural League of New York and the Medal of Fine Arts from the Pennsylvania Association.
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Style 60s
The 1960s style was an expression of the energy and optimism of the era.
As we move through the decade, we see how the influence of Pop Art, the space age, and the hippie counterculture makes itself felt.
Some characteristics are:
The use of thin and tapered legs, with brass or chrome-plated metal ferrules.
Multifunctional furniture.
Use of materials such as laminated wood, metal, glass, and plastic.
Chairs and armchairs with upholstery in striking colors or geometric patterns.
Pendants and floor lamps with organic designs.
Lighting that functions as a work of art.
Geometric and psychedelic patterns on fabrics, wallpapers, and carpets.
The interior design, music, and art of the 1960s left an indelible mark on popular culture
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