At first glance, I thought this was a midcentury classic. But this is actually the Leopold garden seating at Habitat. Read more
Leopold midcentury-style garden seating at Habitat
Tag: Harry Bertoia
eBay watch: 1950s Knoll Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair
If you want a new one, you'll be looking at paying out £841 at a reputable UK retailer. This Knoll Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair is currently much, much cheaper.
Obviously, this is a secondhand midcentury design, the original dating back no 1950. But according to the seller, this is an official Knoll Diamond Chair, which is the important bit.
Condition is described as 'good but not perfect' condition. with some wires at the front looking repaired and touched up (pictures on the main listing). There are also some age scratches and scruffs. So not as good as getting a new one, but at the present price of £6.29, an absolute bargain.
Dwell introduces the Harry Bertoia-like Wire Chair
Back in 2007, we featured the Bertoia Diamond armchair, a design classic from 1952 that's still in production via Knoll, retailing for the best part of £1,000. Alternatively, you can go to Dwell and buy the Wire Chair.
Let's be kind and say that the Wire Chair is inspired by the midcentury classic. I'm sure there's a few subtle differences to the designs, but you'll have to look very close to find them.
The Dwell version mixes black lacquered wire with white faux leather for the seating and involves a touch of self-assembly. But it does come at a hugely-reduced price, £149 to be precise. It's available to order now, with stock arriving in February.
Handcrafted Modern by Leslie Williamson
Looking for some interiors inspiration? A flick through the 200-plus pages of Handcrafted Modern by Leslie Williamson should give you some ideas. As implied by its subtitle, 'At home with mid-century designers', these are directly drawn from the homes of some of our best loved designers.
In this highly visual book, photographer Williamson goes to the homes of 14 different mid-century designers to look at their own interpretations of modernism. As part of her quest she only visits homes that have been left unchanged (although some are now museums), including the abodes of George Nakashima, Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames, as well as the highlight of seeing inside Walter Gropius's Bauhaus home in Massachusetts, USA.
Published by Rizzoli, it's currently for sale for £25.50 on Amazon.
