Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978), a trailblazing artist of Italian birth who later became an American citizen, left an indelible mark as one of the most innovative and prolific artists and designers of the postwar era. His artistic journey began at the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he forged connections with future collaborators and peers, including Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and Eero Saarinen.

Bertoia would later go on to take classes at Santa Monica City College, and, in 1947, created his first welded sculptures. Bertoia's legacy includes the creation of unique jewelry pieces, the design of iconic chairs, and the production of one-of-a-kind metal sculptures. Bertoia’s creations reflect a convergence of multiple disciplines, yet consistently exhibit a sculptural methodology in their execution, coupled with a pioneering embrace of metalwork.