NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2004 Jun 06 @ 12:00UTC-06:00 : CST/MDT
Harry Bertoia important prototype lounge chair USA, c. 1952 welded steel wire 58"w x 44"d x 35.75"h The lounge chair presented on the following pages is a prototype made by Harry Bertoia as part of his wire furniture developed for Knoll in the early 1950s. This chair is a unique example and was exhibited at Knoll Associates at 720 Park Avenue in New York City in 1953 during the launch of the Bertoia furniture line. This rare and extraordinary lounge chair is a masterpiece of experimental American chair design. In the 1940s, Bertoia was residing with his family in Venice, California and working at the office of Charles Eames on chair designs. Bertoia was utilized by the Eames office to engineer and troubleshoot the metal frames of the DCM and LCM, and is credited by some for developing the Eames wire chair forms. Harry Bertoia's design method for the wire furniture is summed up by the following, "how long are you going to sit in a chair? If it is only for an hour, you can have a small surface, possibly an erect posture . . . if you stay two hours, a larger surface because you must allow for movement." This method explains the shape of the wire chairs as they progress from the dining chairs into the small and large Diamond chairs, and to the Bird lounge chair. It is natural to see how the lounge chair offered here would be the final step in this progress. Harry's design process has been described by Val Bertoia as "intuitive engineering." The complex surface form of this chair is extraordinary for its refinement and complexity, decades before CAD programs simplified the process. Although loosely guided by principles in ergonomics he developed for the military during World War II, the prototype lounge was created simply from an inherent ability to visualize and produce functional and sculptural forms. The wire material perfectly suited Bertoia's skill as a metal smith and he found it intriguing that air and light surrounding the ethereal material actually completes the form. This concept was revolutionary at the time, and the materials used were a radical departure from heavy-handed furniture design at the beginning of the century. Ultimately, Knoll abandoned the idea of producing this chair design because of its complexity. The cost of producing such a design would have placed the chair beyond the reach of most consumers, which ran counter to the prevailing notion of design for the masses that was common in the 1950s. This Bertoia lounge chair prototype has remained in the possession of the Bertoia family since its creation. Brigitta used the chair in the yard of their Barto, Pennsylvania home. Harry and Brigitta Bertoia gave the chair to their daughter, Lesta, at the time of her wedding. Literature: World of Bertoia, Schiffer, ppg. 32-48, pg. 44 illustrated. Provenance: Harry Bertoia, Barto, Pennsylvania Lesta Bertoia, Pennsylvania Private Collection
Auction Location:
United States
Applicable taxes shall include Illinois sales tax (8.75%), use tax,
excise tax and other taxes and levies. Resale certificates are
accepted, with proper documentation, for exemption from Illinois sales
tax by U.S. dealers. No Illinois sales tax is charged for purchases
shipped out of state by a legitimate third party shipper.
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Shipping is available for all items in the sale through independent,
third-party shippers. Please contact the gallery for a list of preferred
shippers. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Wright and R.
Wright, Inc. shall not be held responsible for shipping means or methods
of transport.
Payment Details:
Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express. All purchases are subject to state tax unless buyer has proof of exemption.
<p>Absentee bids
All absentee bids are confidential and will be executed competitively.
You may call or fax in absentee bids prior to the day of the sale. All
absentee bids must be signed and dated by the registered buyer. Please
refer to posted increments when leaving absentee bids, off increment
bids will be rounded down. "Plus" bids are accepted. In the event of two
identical bids, the earliest received will be accepted. Wright and R.
Wright, Inc. shall not be held responsible for failing to execute bids.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit card number is required for
verification.
<p>Phone bids
Phone bids may be arranged by calling the gallery prior to the
day of the sale. There are a limited number of phones lines so we encourage you to arrange phone bids early. All lots must be estimated over $500 to be on the phone.
<p>In person
To register for a buyer number the day of the sale, please bring
photo identification.
The sale will be conducted in the following increments:
10-300
$10 increment
300-500
$25 increment
500-1000
$50 increment
1000-3000
$100 increment
3000-5000
$250 increment
5000-10,000
$500 increment
10,000+
$1000 increment or auctioneer’s discretion
The auctioneer determines the highest bidder and resolves
any disputes. All sales are final.
<p>Payment
Cash or check with positive identification. Visa, Mastercard
and American Express accepted with a 1.5% surcharge. All purchases are subject to state tax unless buyer has proof of exemption .
<p>Buyer’s premium
There is a 17% buyers premium added to the hammer price of all property sold.
<p>Guarantee
All items are guaranteed for authenticity except when listed as “Anonymous,” “School Of” or “Attributed To”.
<p>Condition
Condition is not noted in the catalog. All buyers should request a condition report prior to bidding. The condition of frame is not noted or guaranteed.
<p>Catalog Entries
Although Wright has made every reasonable attempt to print complete and accurate descriptions, Wright is not responsible for errors or omissions in any written statements in this catalog including references to dates, sizes, media, signatures, frames, exhibition history or other references to the items offered. All artworks are unsigned unless specifically noted otherwise.
<p>Storage
All items must be paid for and picked-up within seven (7) working days after the sale. Storage charges of $10 per item per day may be assessed. Wright and R. Wright, Inc. shall have no liability for any damage to property left on its premises after the date of sale.
<p>Delivery
Shipping is available for all items in the sale through independent, third-party shippers. Please contact the gallery for a list of preferred shippers. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Wright and R. Wright, Inc. shall not be held responsible for shipping means or methods of transport.
<p>Please note
By participating in our auctions, all bidders are agreeing to our terms of sale.