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Directional Desks and Writing Tables

​​A brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere, Directional Furniture opened its doors after American furniture designer Paul McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York–based Modernage Company.

In his pivotal introduction of postwar modernism to the mass market, the revered Massachusetts-born McCobb had established several lines, from the affordable and refined Planner Group for Winchendon to the swooping and unexpected arms of the Symmetric Group for Widdicomb, a Shaker-inspired collection that included a sofa and a lounge chair. Like all of McCobb’s designs, the Directional pieces for Modernage are defined by a sleek aesthetic in which the focus is on elegant functionality, frequently using fine materials such as brass and walnut. In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company.

The pair’s first pieces were upholstered chairs, intended to harmonize with the modular Multiplex pieces designed by Martin Feinman. McCobb then designed an array of furniture including storage, dining, seating, desks and other pieces with details such as leather tops, wood finishes and Roman Travertine surfaces. While Directional stopped production of McCobb’s work in the early 1960s, it still released numerous pieces by leading designers manufactured by a variety of companies.

Designer Paul Evans led the factory for a time after joining in 1964. His provocative work for the company often reflected his understanding of materials from his early training as a silversmith, such as the popular Cityscape series — a milestone in brutalist design — with its blocky forms accented with brass and chrome. At his shop in Lambertville, New Jersey, he collaborated with a design team to clad furniture pieces in metallic surfaces, like the Argente line that began production in 1968 and involved an acetylene torch to give its aluminum material a textural quality. He also worked on the Sculpted Bronze series with hand-formed resin shaped over plywood or steel that was then coated with atomized bronze.

Other Directional designers included Vladimir Kagan, who contributed biomorphic sofas and swivel chairs; Milo Baughman, who created tables and dressers inspired by Scandinavian modernism; and Jack Lenor Larsen, who covered sofas in dynamically patterned fabric.

Find authentic Directional Furniture seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Directional
Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed
Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed

Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed

$19,100Sale Price|20% Off

Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking and highly collectible patchwork burl executive desk designed by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. This iconic example showcases Evans’ signature studio-crafted aes...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Desks and Writing Tables

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Modernist Patchwork Burl Executive Desk By Paul Evans Cityscape For Directional
Modernist Patchwork Burl Executive Desk By Paul Evans Cityscape For Directional

Modernist Patchwork Burl Executive Desk By Paul Evans Cityscape For Directional

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Modernist Patchwork Burl Executive Desk By Paul Evans Cityscape For Directional

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This impressive modernist executive desk, model number PE 400, designed by Paul Evans circa 1975, showcases the brilliant burl wood patchwork design of the designers last series City...

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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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Directional desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Directional 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 desks and writing tables by Warren Platner, Mastercraft, and Pace Collection. Prices for Directional desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,183 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $13,342.

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Questions About Directional Desks and Writing Tables
  • Which direction do you wear a pear shaped ring?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.