Docomomo US/Chicago and the IIT College of Architecture invite you to a lecture and members reception on Modern designer Harry Bertoia.

Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), designer and metal worker, left an enormous legacy of sculptures, furniture, drawings and jewelry. Bertoia designed modern chairs for Knoll, crafted over 50 public sculptures, etched hundreds of monotypes and welded thousands of art pieces. Bertoia pushed the wave of modern art into an expansive period of exploration of not only visual, but practical, auditory and tactile art. From delicate jewelry to massive fountains, from an asymmetrical chaise lounge to petite children’s chairs, from detailed graphics to thunderous gongs; this artist took what he infused from nature’s beauty and transformed it into uplifting experiential pieces.

Hear his youngest daughter, Celia Bertoia, describe Bertoia’s work and life in both casual and technical terms. She will explain the history of his MidCentury Modern chairs, and his important relationships with other designers and architects. She’ll share anecdotes from his life, relay his philosophy and tell stories that reveal the man behind the designs. 

The lecture will begin promptly at 6pm, please arrive by 5:45pm.

A reception for Docomomo US members will follow at 7:00pm

RSVP is required.

To become a Docomomo member click here.