Flickr Widget

Friday, July 29, 2016

How to spot an authentic Bertoia wire chair

The Bertoia wire chair is a mid-century icon. As such, it has been widely imitated. If having an authentic Bertoia chair is important to you...for its quality, its comfort, its retention of value, or simply for bragging rights...the Harry Bertoia Foundation has offered a guide for recognizing the real thing.

Details like wire diameter, the angle the wire is cut, the bend radius of the top corners and the base, and double wire rims on new chairs (although a few double rims were produced in 1953) are ways to spot a knock-off.

The tips in the article are quite specific, also providing information about glides, upholstery, line additions, and the Knoll stamp.

If you love the work of this mid-century designer, you'll want to check out the entire site for more information about the man himself, as well as his oeuvre. His daughter Celia Bertoia is director of the foundation, the mission of which is to spread the legacy of Harry Bertoia. On the website, you can become a volunteer, donate, or simply sign up for the mailing list.


Bertoia chair lineup
harrybertoia.org

6 comments:

  1. Saw her book for sale at Barnes and Noble she had actually signed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have her book in my Amazon cart as we speak.

      Delete
  2. Wonderful! Did you get a hair cut?

    ReplyDelete
  3. such informative post. all this detailing is what amazes me. and then makes me realize how much work goes into each piece of furniture :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, attention to detail is what makes the real thing cost so much.

      Delete