Skip to main content

Paul Evans Armchairs

American, 1931-1987

A designer and sculptor, Paul Evans was a wild card of late 20th century modernism. A leading light of the American Studio Furniture movement, Evans’s sideboards, credenzas, coffee tables and other work manifests a singular aesthetic sense, as well as a seemingly contradictory appreciation for both folk art forms and for new materials and technologies.

Evans’s primary material was metal, not wood, which was favored by his fellow studio designers, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, neighbors George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell. He trained in metallurgy and studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, the famed crucible of modern design and art in suburban Detroit. For a time early in his career, Evans also worked at Sturbridge Village, a historical “living museum” in Massachusetts, where he gave demonstrations as a costumed silversmith.

Evans’s earliest work unites these influences. The pieces that made his reputation are known as “sculpted-front” cabinets: wood cases faced with box-like high-relief patinated steel mounts laid out in a grid pattern. Each mount contains a metal emblem, or glyph, and the effect is that of a brawny quilt.

Evans’s later work falls into three distinct style groups. His sculpted-bronze pieces, begun in the mid-1960s, show Evans at his most expressive. He employed a technique in which resin is hand-shaped, and later sprayed with a metal coating, allowing for artistic nuance in the making of chairs, tables and case pieces. Later in the decade and into the 1970s, Evans produced his Argente series for celebrated manufacturer Directional (​​a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere): consoles and other furniture forms that feature aluminum and pigment-infused metal surfaces welded into abstract organic forms and patterns.

Last, Evans's Cityscape design series — a milestone in the history of brutalist design — meshed perfectly with the sleek, “high tech” sensibility of the later ’70s. Evans constructed boxy forms and faced them with irregular mosaic patterns that mixed rectangular plaques of chromed steel, bronze or burlwood veneer. These, like all of Paul Evans’s designs, are both useful and eye-catching. But their appeal has another, more visceral quality: these pieces have clearly been touched by an artist’s hand.

Find a collection of authentic Paul Evans furniture today on 1stDibs.

6
to
1
6
6
6
6
3
6
1
4
1
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
1
1
5
3
2
2
2
5
5
180
403
266
240
216
Creator: Paul Evans
Set of Eight Unique Chrome Paul Evans Studio Dining Armchairs 1973
By Paul Evans
Located in Camden, ME
An original 60 year old set of eight unique chrome armchairs on coasters by Paul Evans produced at the Paul Evans Studio designed as part of an extensive commission for the home of p...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Armchair
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculpted bronze armchair with original tufted leather by Paul Evans. Signed and dated.
Category

1970s Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Sculpted Armchairs Rare by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
Discover the epitome of Mid-Century Brutalist design with this exceptional pair of sculpted armchairs crafted by the renowned Paul Evans circa 1969. These striking armchairs stand a...
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans Chrome and Suede Cityscape Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Lounge Chairs, 1970. Upholstery is blue suede all original. Patchwork is constructed of steel plate frames with contrast of polished chr...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Early Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Throne Chair, Signed and Dated, 1969
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as well as sharing a showroom with Phillip Lloyd Powell until 1964 when Evans met the owner of Directional Furniture and created a line of 6 coffee tables to go into the Directional High Point, NC booth for the spring Market. As the story has been recounted by Dorsey Reading, the tables never even made it to the showroom floor. Evans soon found out the tables never even had the opportunity to be sold; obviously disappointed, owner of Directional, BG agreed to put the tables out on the showroom floor in New York City to placate Paul Evans. What happened can probably best be compared today with "going viral." The coffee tables started flying off the floor, and the orders came rolling in. This fervor led to Evans creating eventually over 800 designs with Directional-- with the very first series being the "Sculptured Metal" Collection which was publicized in 1968. This piece specifically is a throne chair that also swivels. Upholstered in black leather, this throne chair is a wonderful example of Paul Evans Sculpted bronze technique, which involves hand sculpting using an epoxy resin and coating in an atomized cold cast bronze. This piece is signed and dated "PE 69" making it an early example of his goopy cast bronze series and line of furniture for Directional. It's extremely important to note: Directional Furniture showrooms in New York City and Chicago were private to-the-trade only showrooms, so only interior designers and their clients were able to custom order these pieces through the showroom. There was never any "inventory" of furniture. Each and every piece was a custom, hand crafted work of art, created to order. No two of any piece were ever alike. Evans eventually went on to employ a team of nearly 90 people, working two shifts-- helping to hand-craft his designs. This could easily explain why not every piece is hand signed, therefore making an early, had-signed pieces like this even more desirable for a collector. This piece has a wonderful patina, with vibrant colors and while still brutalist in nature, it's a bit more subdued and could effortlessly be blended into any contemporary environment. We currently have this piece in the gallery paired with a Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa, and a Karl Springer goatskin...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Chrome Cityscape Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning and rare set of 4 chrome cityscape chairs by Paul Evans for Directional. This matched set of PE-241 arm chairs are upholstered in a supple black matte ultrasuede and feature Evans' signature chrome patchwork design. These gorgeous Paul Evans Cityscape chairs...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Mid-Century Modern set of 6 Paul Evans cantilevered dining chairs for Directional. This set includes two armchairs and four side chairs. These ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Vintage Sculpted Oak Armchairs by Madison Furniture
By Madison Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern arm chairs feature unique "box" style sides. The beautiful wood grain and floating angled backrest add to the allure. Smooth edges and plush blue upholstery ensure comfort in any modern interior. Made by Madison Furniture Industries...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Wood, Oak

Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio Custom-Made ‘Patchwork’ Sofa
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, welded and enameled pewter, copper, and bronze, reupholstered in Driessen Leder “Nairobi Green", United States, 1971 Designed by Paul Evans for Pau...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Pewter

Midcentury Lounge Chair in Suede by Guido Bonzani for Tecnosalotto, 1970s
By Bonzani, Tecnosalotto
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large lounge chair designed by Guido Bonzani, manufactured by Tecnosalotto in the 1970s, Italy. The chair has spring feet made of strong steel and are ch...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Elegant Restored Pair of Walnut Cane Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert custom...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1322 Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture 1322 lounge chair, loose seat cushion. Circa 1950s. Featuring a Black ebonized Walnut frame, tapered legs and comfortable curved and cushioned b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats and backs and brass a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Danish Set of Eight Armchairs in Oak and Chrome with Blue Upholstery
By Duba
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Manufactured by Duba Møbelindustri, set of eight armchairs, bent plywood teak, oak, chrome-plated metal, fabric, Denmark, 1970s. Set of Danish chairs manufactured by Duba Møbelindu...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Mahogany Dining Armchairs, Set of Eight
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight modern Regency style club chairs or dining armchairs By Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture USA, 1990s Solid dark mahogany frames, with light yello...
Category

1990s American Modern Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Paul Evans Collection 77 Chrome Cantilevered Arm Chair for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Single Paul Evans chrome and ultra suede cantilevered office, dining or side chair with arms for Directional. Designed for the Collection 77 serie...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Previously Available Items
Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs from the series PE-105/106, sculpted bronze, steel, fabric, United States, circa 1965 Stunning example of Paul Evans designs for Direct...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Single Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Armchair, Late 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire
A single sculpted bronze resin over steel armchairs designed by Paul Evans for Directional in Original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric, model number PE 105, late 1960s Paul Evans was bor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans for Directional Club Chairs in Velvet, Pair
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, 1960s Tufted gray velvet upholstery, with walnut legs and stretchers...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Set of Four Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Armchairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four Brutalist sculpted bronze armchairs by Paul Evans Exceptional abstract form texture and powerful shapes Retains original fabric Mod...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Resin

Pair of Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Armchairs, Late 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire
A pair of sculpted bronze resin over steel armchairs designed by Paul Evans for Directional in Original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric, model number PE 105, late 1960s Paul Evans was bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Rare Sculpted Bronze Armchair by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare sculpted bronze armchair, by Paul Evans upholstered with pale blue velvet fabric, USA.         
Category

1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Midcentury Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Patinated Paul Evans PE105 Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of highly collectable Paul Evans sculpted bronze armchairs. Epoxy with applied bronze over steel frame with upholstery. All original chairs.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Rare Pair of Reupholstered Armchairs in Burgundy Mohair by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, pair of armchairs, steel and upholstery, United States, 1960s  A rare pair of highly sculptural armchairs by Paul Evans. The base consists of a torch-cut, welded, poly...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans Studio, Argente Swivel Armchair, New Hope 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
A rare Paul Evans steel armchair in Argente finish. Swivel base with wool upholstered interior. Fine vintage condition.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Pair of Chrome Cityscape Armchairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pair of cityscape armchairs by Paul Evans in green leather and chrome base with rollers.
Category

1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Armchairs in Tesselated Brass and Chrome by Paul Evans
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Pair of upholstered arm chairs with frames in tessellated brass and chrome by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Cityscape Collection, American 19...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Chrome Cityscape Armchairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of Cityscape armchairs (model PE-241) with chrome patchwork bases by Paul Evans for Directional, ca. 1970s.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Evans armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Evans armchairs, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Paul Evans were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by George Nakashima, Brown Jordan, and Henredon. Prices for Paul Evans armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,000 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,000.

Recently Viewed

View All