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.
Cityscape Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A nice brass and chrome patchwork cityscape table, model no PE 231 by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. Cube form with cross angled block support that exhibits a simply modern...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Brass, Chrome
$5,800 / item
Paul Evans Cityscape Side Table, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Evans design Cityscape side table or nightstand in chrome, signed. Super 1970's styling that is architectural as well as urban. Commercial su...
Chrome
Paul Evans Patchwork Cube Side Table, Mixed Metals, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Hamburg, PA
Paul Evans patchwork cube side table in mixed metals. Open cube form with a lower shelf, clad in hammered and studded plates of copper, brass, and pewter-toned metal. Nail-head faste...
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Pewter
Rare "Sculpted -Bronze" Side Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare "sculpted -bronze" side table by Paul Evans for Directional inset with walnut top. using a unique technique consisting of hand sculpting an applied resin over a wood and metal ...
Resin
Spectacular Pair Paul Evans Loop Side Table Mid-century Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Pair of Paul Evans Studio Loop side tables featuring thick circular cleft slate tops, supported by distinctive tiered bases made of enameled iron loops that resemble fish...
Slate, Iron
1970s Signed Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Chrome Cube Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a striking example of Paul Evans’ iconic Cityscape collection for Directional, this chrome-plated steel cube table embodies the bold, architectural elega...
Chrome
Argente cube side table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans model PE – 37 cube side table. Welded aluminum construction with etched patterns on oxidized and painted panels.. with an inset black slate top. Manufactured by Paul Evans...
Slate, Aluminum
Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables – Exceptionally Clean Pair - 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables – Pair Commanding in form and masterful in execution, this rare pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente series cube tables (Model PE-37) exempli...
Slate, Aluminum
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Gunmetal Cube Side End Tables - Pair
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Gunmetal Cube Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 15 wide x 15 deep x 15.75 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our photos i...
Metal
Rare Welded and Patinated Aluminum "Argente" Side Table by Paul Evans for Direct
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Welded and patinated aluminum "Argente" Side Table by Paul Evans for Directional, model PE 37 . From a Los Angeles estate designed by Oliver Furth. Prove...
Aluminum
$7,000Sale Price|26% Off
Illuminated Cityscape Corner Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A triangular corner side table in the "Cityscape" series made by Paul Evans studio for Directional, circa 1975. The table was a custom piece with built-in illuminated underneath. It ...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Parsons side table By Paul Evans for Directional USA, 1960s Measures: 20"W x 20"D x 15.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Burl
Pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables for Directional, 1970s Exceptional and rare pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 cube tables, produced by Directional circa 1...
Slate, Metal, Aluminum
Paul Evans City Scape Table Base
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic City Scape 8-Sided Table Base Burlwood & Metal Vintage Condition Wear consistent with age & use Height : 28.5 in Width : 22.25 in Depth : 22.2...
Metal
Signed Paul Evans City Scape Polished Chrome Double Pedestal Mid Century Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Signed Paul Evans City Scape Polished Chrome Double Pedestal Mid Century Modern.
Chrome
Paul Evans Brutalist Side Table Welded Metal and Slate Top, Signed and dtd 1977
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans unique signed brutalist side table. Painted and welded steel with a slate top. A timeless design. Signed Paul Evans and dated 1977.
Slate, Steel
$9,095
H 15.75 in W 60 in D 25 in
Paul Evans for Directional PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 25 deep x 15.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our ph...
Glass, Resin
$4,995
H 15.5 in W 42.5 in D 42.5 in
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
$7,500
H 16 in W 41 in D 34 in
Vintage “Cityscape” Burl and Gunmetal Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing the exquisite vintage "Cityscape" coffee table, an iconic piece designed by the renowned Paul Evans for Directional, a celebrated figure in the world of mid-century moder...
Metal
Cityscape Brass And Glass Floating Coffee Table By Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This striking Cityscape brass and glass floating coffee table by Paul Evans captures the sculptural, architectural spirit that defines his iconic work. Designed in the 1970s as part ...
Brass
$6,400
H 15.5 in W 42 in D 42 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Patchwork of Metals Slate Top Coffee Table c. 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Silver golden and copper hues glow throughout this Paul Evans coffee table in a patchwork of hammered metals. Artful celebration of metals represented in brass iron steel and bronze ...
Metal
Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style cocktail/coffee table. This gorgeous midcentury modern coffee table is part of the legendary Paul Evans Cityscape series of furniture. Th...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Long Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans for directional "Cityscape", 84" Parsons style dining table. All chromed metal over wood with additional pair of leaves. Possible length of 114" with both 15" leaves.
Chrome, Metal
$5,997
H 17 in W 58.75 in D 22.8 in
Paul Evans brutalist welded metal patchwork PE-11 zig zag coffee table
By Paul Evans
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful 1960's Paul Evans brutalist zig zag design coffee table with glass top, created as part of his "Sculptured Metal" collection for Directional. Fabricated with artisan welde...
Metal
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Skyline Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paul Evans sculpted bronze brutalist skyline coffee table, signed PE71 Glass top is 3/4" thick, 28" deep and 55" wide. Base is 15" high, 28" deep...
Bronze
Fine French Art Deco Palisander Game Table by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
With a removable and reversible top, one side featuring a marquetry chess / checker board, and the other covered in felt (felt to be replaced), two drawers, and fine bronze details. ...
Bronze
1950's Mid- Century Modern Sculptural Side Tables - a Pair
By Tony Paul, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of original 1950's Mid-century Modern side tables for sale. They have a faux marble formica top with a sculptural tripod base. The formica faux marble tops are in excellent cond...
Brass
$900Sale Price|75% Off
H 30 in W 36 in D 18 in
George III Mahogany Game Table, Late 18th Century, England
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The serpentine rectangular hinged top with a flower-carved edge enclosing a green baize-lined playing surface, on square canted legs with foliate carved corner brackets.
Wood
Sold
H 24.5 in W 20 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Nightstands - Chrome Patchwork by Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape nightstands in chrome patchwork, produced by Directional. Each features a two-tiered C-shaped design with integrated drawer, creating both open and enc...
Chrome
Paul Evans "Sculpted Bronze" and Walnut Side Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A Paul Evans "Sculpted Bronze" resin drum table with walnut top.
Walnut
Paul Evans Side Table, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Patchwork, Slate
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Side Table, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Patchwork, Slate. Chunky cube side with copper, bronze, and pewter (CBP) patchwork finish in a custom ordered size. According to Direct...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Pewter
Pair of Paul Evans "Sculpted Bronze" and Walnut Side Tables
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Paul Evans "Sculpted Bronze" resin drum tables with walnut tops. Each signed and dated.
Walnut
Paul Evans Rare and Important Argente Cabinet (Signed and Dated 1968)
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and important Argente 2 door cabinet in welded and enameled aluminum with natural cleft slate top by Paul Evans, American 1968 (signed and dated “Paul Evans 68” on bottom of rig...
Slate, Aluminum, Enamel
Vintage Boho Signed Paul Evans “Cityscape” Drinks Table
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho drinks table. A chic little piece made and signed by the iconic Paul Evans. Part of the coveted “Cityscape” collection. Perfect as a side table or even a pede...
Brass
Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Hexagon Side or Game Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul Evans designed Hexagonal table. Assorted geometric shapes of polished brass and brushed stainless steel applied to hexagonal column. Sparkling je...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Paul Evans Sculpted Metal Side Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculpted metal side table designed by Paul Evans studio for Directional. Signed and dated 1967.
Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 19 in W 14 in D 14 in
Paul Evans Rare Pair of Welded Steel Cube Side Tables 1968 'Signed and Dated'
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of Cube tables in hand-welded steel with beautiful polychrome enamels and gilding with inset cleft slate top by Paul Evans, American 1968 (signed “PE 68” on bottom corner)....
Slate, Gold, Enamel, Steel
Paul Evans Hand-Welded Patchwork Cube Side Table 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Patchwork Side Table, model PE-31, in enameled and patinated copper, brass and steel over plywood with an inset cleft slate top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American 1970...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Enamel, Steel
Paul Evans Rare Side Table with Welded Gilded Base and Slate Top, 1968
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning side table with 6 sided welded steel base with sections which are textured and gilded along with a thick cleft slate top by Paul Evans, American 1968. This table is extremel...
Slate, Gold, Steel
Sold
H 18.5 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
Paul Evans Hand-Welded Cube Table with Polychrome Enamels 1973 'Signed'
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cube Table in hand-welded steel with beautiful polychrome enamels and inset cleft slate top by Paul Evans, American 1973 (signed “PE 73” on bottom corner). This iconic table is a timeless Evans design...
Slate, Enamel, Steel