Characteristic of the early environment at Knoll, Hans and Florence never demanded that Bertoia design furniture, but instead encouraged him to explore whatever he liked. They simply asked that if he arrived at something interesting, to show them. Sculptor Harry Bertoia's exceptional 1952 seating collection formed from bent metal rods includes the simple, elegant Bertoia bench of wood slats spanning a metal frame. Platform bench cushions are available separately, up to a maximum of three per bench. This simple design was the first piece of furniture created by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Although the bench does not have the signature wire grid of his more recognisable 1952 collection, the welded wire base shows an early exploration of the material and foreshadows what was to follow. Slats are available in black or white painted finish. Firm foam cushions can be upholstered in a variety of fabrics.