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Object Timeline

-0001

1952

  • Work on this object began.

1990

  • We acquired this object.

2001

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Diamond Chair

This is a chair. It was designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll International. It is dated 1952 and we acquired it in 1990. Its medium is chrome-plated tubular steel, woven wool upholstery. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

In 1950, Knoll hired Bertoia to rethink and redesign familiar furniture forms, resulting in his series of Diamond chairs. Largely derived from his earlier metalwork sculptures, Bertoia’s Diamond chair line was designed with the user in mind, adapting to the organic design movement that sought to make modern design livable. The full upholstery and nest-like form invite the sitter in, while the steel frame offered strong, yet lightweight, support.

This object was donated by Knoll Textiles. It is credited Gift of Knoll International.

  • Small Diamond Chair
  • bent plastic-coated metal wire, woven cotton upholstery, foam rubber.
  • Gift of the Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material....
  • 2011-22-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 69 x 112.5 x 71 cm (27 3/16 x 44 5/16 x 27 15/16in.)

Cite this object as

Diamond Chair; Designed by Harry Bertoia (American, b. Italy, 1915 - 1978); Manufactured by Knoll Textiles (United States); USA; chrome-plated tubular steel, woven wool upholstery; H x W x D: 69 x 112.5 x 71 cm (27 3/16 x 44 5/16 x 27 15/16in.); Gift of Knoll International; 1990-139-6

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18634185/ |title=Diamond Chair |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=16 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>