Bertoia: The Metalworker

A celebration of the rich and varied work of Italian-born American artist, designer, and master of metal, Harry Bertoia

From chapel altarpieces and bronze fountains, to wire chairs and silver brooches, Harry Bertoia's creative output was varied in the extreme. This book explores all aspects of the artist's incredible creative output, from his jewelry and iconic furniture to his monoprints, architectural sculptures, and "sonambients" - clusters of metal rods that ring with hauntingly beautiful sound. It also includes previously unpublished material of Bertoia and his works.

Bertoia also explores his life story: his move from Italy to Detroit at 15; his formative years at Cranbrook; his work with Charles Eames and Knoll; through to his fascinating sound sculptures. In doing so, the book demonstrates how seemingly disparate works are in fact united in being reflections of nature, and places Bertoia's art squarely at the heart of American modernism.

Beverly H. Twitchell has a PhD in art history and has taught at various universities for 35 years. She first met Bertoia in 1973 and shared a close friendship with him until he died in 1978. As the only art historian who knew and worked with Bertoia in his last years, interviewing him at length, Twitchell is uniquely placed to offer real insight into Bertoia's work and world.