"If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them."
Arieto Bertoia was born on March 10, 1915, in the small village of San Lorenzo, Friuli, Italy, about 50 miles north of Venice and 70 miles south of Austria.
He had one brother, Oreste, and one sister, Ave. Another sister died at eighteen months old; she was the subject of one of his first paintings. Even as a youngster, the local brides would ask him to design their wedding day linen embroidery patterns, as his talents were already recognized.
He attending high school in Arzene, Carsara, until age 15. He then accompanied his father to Detroit to visit brother Oreste. Upon entering North America, his birth name of Arieto (little Ari) was altered to the Americanized Harry.
Bertoia stayed in Michigan to attend Cass Technical High School, a public school with a special program for talented students in arts and sciences. Later, a one-year scholarship to the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts allowed him to study painting and drawing. He entered and placed in many local art competitions.
Harry Bertoia (1915-1978)
Harry Bertoia Large Diamond Chair
Harry Bertoia Diamond Wire Chair
Harry Bertoia Barstool
Harry Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise
Harry Bertoia Side Chair