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.
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Polychromed Steel Sculpture
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Astonishing brutalist sculpture by Paul Evans, circa 1960's. Welded and polychromed steel, painted wood. 67 x 38 x 26 in. (170.2 x 96.5 x 66 cm) excluding base.
Steel
Paul Evans Welded Steel 1967 Brutalist Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Buffalo, NY
Paul Evans welded steel 1967 Brutalist cocktail table. Wonderful patina, class Evans design, retains original glass. Heavy base can hold much l...
Steel
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965 Unique and rare set of cast and patinated bronze, bronze composite, and aluminum examples. Two examples: 3½ h × 11 dia in (...
Aluminum, Bronze, Pewter
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953 Sandblasted pewter Each: 20½ h × 3¼ dia in (52 × 8 cm) Provenance: The Artist Collection of Dorsey Reading Exhibited: Paul...
Pewter
$5,500
Paul Evans Sculpture
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
An early tabletop sculpture by Paul Evans. This work shows Evans experimentation with surface texture and finish. These same finishes were carried over to his studio furniture. Looki...
Metal
Brutalist Metal Patchwork Box with Insert Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cube form desktop box covered with patchwork copper by American artist and designer Paul Evans (1931-1987). The lidded box has a plastic insert box and was made as an ice box or a ...
Metal
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans & Phillip Lloyd Powell Box for Designers Inc. USA, 1960's
By Phillip Lloyd Powell, Paul Evans
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Evans & Phillip Lloyd Powell Box for Designers Inc. USA, 1960's
Pewter
Pair of Walnut and Pewter Candlesticks by Paul Evans and Phillip Powell
By Phillip Lloyd Powell, Paul Evans
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Walnut and Pewter Candlesticks by Paul Evans and Phillip Powell. circa 1950s. A design from Designer's Inc, an early collaboration between Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell...
Pewter
$8,250Sale Price|44% Off
Paul Evans Box Patchwork, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Hinged, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Box, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Hinged, Signed. Large scale hinged patinated mixed metal textured box with painted red wood interior and lined w...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Rare Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Resin Hinged Box
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Resin Hinged Box From the collection of Dorsey Reading Material: Bronze resin, brass hinge, plastic-laminated interior Dimensions: 6.50" H × 11.50" W ...
Brass
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper Large and Small Humidors w Cigar Ashtray, c 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans, C.C.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic set of Paul Evans 'Patchwork Copper' smoking accessories, manufactured by C.C. Design Inc and retailed by Directional in the 1970s, with beautiful light patina and age, p...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Mixed Metal Patchwork Box by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a brutalist, mixed metal keep-sake box by Paul Evans, circa 1970s. It is constructed of patinated copper panels and lined with cork. The design features splashes of solder a...
Copper
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Studio Patchwork Hinged Box 1965
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Patchwork Hinged Box 1965 Patinated copper with applied bronze and pewter throughout, Interior with original "Blue Antique" finish Dimensions: 7 h × 16 w × 8 d in P...
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box, not many of these were produced, interior plastic laminite. Dimensions: 5" wide 5" deep 3" high
Steel
Paul Evans & Phillip Lloyd Powell, Very Rare, Walnut and Pewter Bottle
By Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare bottle. Only 5 were made because it was very difficult to make. This one was a gift to one of our clients.
Pewter
$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 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
19thc Set of Three Yellow Ware Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century yellow ware mixing bowls. Wonderful color with a white stripe going across the top and each has a beautiful blue design within th...
Pottery
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
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 13 in D 13 in
Paul Evans Sculpture 1950s 1960s Mid Century Brutalist Abstract Metal Modern Art
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Peoria, AZ
AFTER PAUL EVANS MID CENTURY MODERN MONUMENTAL BRUTALIST FINE ART DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE! MAGNIFICENT TOWER STRUCTURE! IRON, BRASS, BRONZE & WOOD BASE CIRCA 1956 Similar to Diego Giacometi Approximate Dimensions: Large 34" Tower/ 13" Wide & Deep This is the Holy Grail for Mid Century abstract...
Bronze, Iron
$5,600
H 15.5 in W 42 in D 42 in
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Brass, Chrome and Glass Square Cocktail Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning Cityscape design coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional. It features a chrome & brass patchwork design base with a heavy glass top. In very good vintage condition.
Chrome, Brass
Polychrome Lucky Fish Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from reclaimed wood, this colorful koi fish is a traditional symbol of harmony, wealth and luck. The rustic fish is carved with a squat, rounded body, the scales and fins...
Pine
Polychrome Lucky Fish Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from reclaimed wood, this colorful koi fish is a traditional symbol of harmony, wealth and luck. The small fish is carved with a squat, rounded body, the scales and fins ...
Pine
$18,500
H 15.5 in W 54 in D 18 in
Paul Evans Studio Sculpted Bronze Cocktail Table Mid Century Brutalist Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Signed Paul Evans Studio coffee table from New Hope PA circa 1969. Sculpted bronze on steel with clear glass top. Very good overall condition. Glass size can be customized to fit you...
Bronze
$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
$18,475
H 16 in W 52 in D 23.75 in
Paul Evans Signed & Dated Rectangular Sculpted Bronze and Glass Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful and iconic Brutalist sculpted bronze "Stalagmite" was realized by the fabled designed Paul Evans in in 1970. It features a welded sculptural and heavily textured bronz...
Bronze
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 Walnut and Brass Hanukkah Menorah
By Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
Paul Evans Hanukkah Menorah crafted from walnut with brass candleholders. This is an early work by Paul Evans, dating from 1955. His line of menorahs are Illustrated in Paul Evans...
Brass
Paul Evans Mixed Metal Patchwork Catch-all
By Paul Evans
Located in Greensboro, NC
Paul Evans Mixed Metal Patchwork Catch-all or Ashtray.
Metal
Paul Evans "Patchwork" Decorative Hinged Box in Etched Aluminum 1970
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare "Patchwork" hinged box in etched aluminum with 3 compartments lined in cork by Paul Evans for C.C. Design, American 1970. Boxes like this were made in small numbers and this is...
Aluminum
Sold
H 60 in W 15 in D 1.5 in
Brutalist 4 Panel Wall Mounted Sculpture in Mixed Metal Patchwork by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated and important wall mounted sculpture was realized by the legendary 20th century American designer Paul Evans in 1973. This piece features the metal patchwork for w...
Metal
Paul Evans Riveted Copper Clad Box
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small copper clad box by Paul Evans Original felt bottom with stamped signature Original cork lined interior very nice.
Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Patchwork Metal Cube Box
By Paul Evans
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Patinated copper, steel and brass handmade cube box created by Paul Evans (1931-1987). Box measures 5" high by 4.5" by 4.5". In very good vintage 1960s condition showing some stainin...
Metal
Sold
H 15.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Paul Evans Pe-14 'Four Pyramid' Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel & Bronze C 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-14-42 'Four-Pyramid' cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic petal shaped cocktail table is c...
Bronze, Steel
"Onion" Sculpture by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Fascinating "Onion" metal sculpture by Paul Evans, circa 1965, made of patinated sheet copper. Literature: Constance Kimmerle, ed., Paul Evans: Crossing Boundaries and Crafting M...
Metal, Copper
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans brutalist Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic cocktail table is comprised of a dark patinated bron...
Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 37 in W 12 in D 12 in
Signed Paul Evans Studio Midcentury Brutalist Modern Pedestal or Plant Stand
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning made studio pedestal or planter made by Paul Evans in New Hope PA. Its constructed of glazed patinated welded sheet metal with a black slate top. This piece doubles as a p...
Slate, Cut Steel
Sold
H 15 in W 39 in D 15 in
Paul Evans PE-13 Double-Pyramid Cocktail Table in Steel, Pewter & Bronze c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-13 Double-Pyramid Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic bow-tie shaped cocktail table is co...
Bronze, Pewter, Steel
Sold
H 15.5 in W 37.25 in D 15.5 in
Paul Evans PE-11 Angle Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-11 Angle Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic zig-zag shaped cocktail table is comprised o...
Bronze, Steel