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.
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
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 in gorgeous book-matched burl wood By Paul Evans for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1960s Measures: 25...
Burl
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table, Brass and Mirror, Vintage 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Montréal, CA
Vintage 1970s coffee table featuring a brass tile base paired with a mirrored top. The combination of reflective surfaces and geometric lines gives the table a strong period characte...
Brass
1970s Signed Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Chrome Cube Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
$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 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
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
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 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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Wood Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Rare and unusual Cityscape side table signed Paul Evans with brass and wood panels. This stunning combination is not often seen, this example is in very good, original condition, sho...
Brass
$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 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
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
$6,045
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
$23,500 / set
H 16.25 in W 24 in D 20 in
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
Paul Evans Brutalist Skyline Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paul Evans brutalist "Skyline" sculpted bronze resin dining table with 48" x 96" x 3/4" thick glass top. Signed PE70 Only base is 65" x 27".
Bronze
1970s Burl Wood Cube Side Tables, a Pair
Located in North Canton, OH
Beautiful Book Matched Exotic Burl Wood Cube side Tables, unmarked
Burl
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
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
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal and Slate Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-century Brutalist-style slate-top coffee table with mixed metal patch work base. (Attributed PAUL EVANS).
Metal
$8,000
H 16 in W 54 in D 42 in
Brutalist Patinated Patchwork Coffee Table with Slate Top, ATTR Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
Brutalist American Modern 1970s patinated patchwork metal coffee table with riveted copper, brass, and pewter sheeting with slate top (attr: P...
Slate, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987) Brutalist mixed metal patchwork coffee table with original slate top, circa 1970. 42 inches wide and deep by 16 ½ ...
Slate, Copper
Paul Evans Coffee Table Brutalist Zig Zag ca' 1960's
By Paul Evans
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, ca' 1960's. Great example of brutalist style-torch welded steel with patinated finish. Zig zag jazzy form.
Steel
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
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 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
Sold
H 13 in W 13 in L 13 in
Paul Evans Pair of Patchwork Cube Tables in Pewter, Copper and Bronze, 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of artisan Patchwork Cube occasional tables in pewter, copper and bronze with inset natural cleft slate tops by Paul Evans Studio for Directional Furniture, 1960's. These hand-c...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter