Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods into functional sculptures in 1952. The result is a collection of seats that have become design icons, spanning six decades without ageing an inch. Thanks to its classic yet modern and lightweight look, the Diamond armchair adapts to all environments. The base and seat are made of welded chrome-plated metal rods. The seat comes with a removable red fabric cushion or white vinyl cushion. The Knoll logo is engraved on the base of the chair.
Born in Italy in 1915, Harry Bertoia graduated from Technical High School, the School of Arts and Crafts in Detroit, and the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Harry Bertoia opened his own metal workshop and taught jewellery design and metalworking. He then worked for Charles and Ray Eames in the Evans Product Company division, creating the iconic moulded plywood chairs. It wasn't until 1950 that he set up his own studio in Pennsylvania with Hans and Florence Knoll and designed five pieces of wire mesh furniture, including the Diamant armchair. This collection of furniture is now known as Bertoia for Knoll. After great success on the design market, he devoted himself exclusively to his first passion, creating more than 50 sculptures until his death, which were exhibited in cities across the United States and abroad. He has received numerous awards, including the Best Craftsman Medal and the Gold Medal from the Institute of American Architects. Harry Bertoia worked with some of the greatest architects of the time, including Eero Saarinen. His work is characterised by an almost sculptural and particularly airy form, as he himself said of the Bertoia collection: "If you look at these seats, they are made mainly of air, like a sculpture. Space runs through them".
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KNOLL
Founded in 1938 in the United States, Knoll is a manufacturer of designer furniture and office furniture equipment whose focus is placed firmly on excellence. Knoll has always sought to modernise design ever since it was founded. For furniture manufacturer Knoll, beautiful design is synonymous with a profitable business model. Today, the company is convinced that its principle works, as Knoll International has been a leading design company for over 70 years. Hans and Florence Knoll have developed one of the most creative and prolific companies of the post-war period. The couple imposed their design vision thanks to the Planning Unit, combining interior architecture, design, production, textiles and graphic design.