Paul Evans Seating
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 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: 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.
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Creator: Paul Evans
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Paul Evans for Directional Pair of Armchairs ‘PE-105’ in Sculpted Bronze
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, pair of armchairs from the series PE-105, 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 Seating
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Studio Wrap-Around Corner Bench and Cabinet, c 1970, Authenticated
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique and authenticated custom piece was fabricated by Paul Evans and Dorsey Reading as what they considered a 'Studio' piece for Paul Evans Studio, circa 1970, is part of the ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Paul Evans Cityscape Cubist Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern Boucle Fabric 1970s
By Paul Evans, Barbara Barry
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of 6 Iconic Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Cubist Mid-Century Modern dining chairs. Includes Two PE241 arm chairs, Four PE240 armless side chairs. Back and seat cushions are so...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Paul Evans Benches, Sculpted Bronze, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Sculpted bronze benches by Paul Evans. Pair of sculpted bronze benches with a gray black patterned upholstered seat cushions. Model number: PE-112. Both benches signed “PE 69” on in ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans Cityscape Cubist Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern Boucle Fabric 1970s
By Barbara Barry, Paul Evans
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of 4 Iconic Paul Evans PE240 Directional Cityscape Cubist Mid-Century Modern dining chairs. Back and seat cushions are soft and comfortable. Features sturdy wooden chair frame wi...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Paul Evans Set of Ten Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs in Aubergine Upholstery
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Very hard to find. A beautiful set of 10 sculpted bronze dining chairs by Paul Evans. Set includes two arm chairs which measure 31.75" H x 26.5" W x 24.25" D. And eight side chairs w...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Bronze
Stunning Paul Evans Chrome Loveseat Sofa Directional Mid-Century Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning chrome clad Paul Evans for Directional loveseat sofa. We love the wide chrome band surrounding the arms and back-super mod indeed! This sofa retains its original fabric in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Sofa/Settee
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans Cityscape sofa from the 200 series.
Manufactured by Directional Furniture circa 1970
Older, clean reupholstery in Ultrasuede.
Category
1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Cubist Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern Boucle Fabric 1970s
By Paul Evans, Barbara Barry
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of Iconic Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Cubist Mid-Century Modern PE241 dining arm chairs. Back and seat cushions are soft and comfortable. Features sturdy wooden chair frame...
Category
1970s Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
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 comfortable chairs have sleek modern ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Bench
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculpted bronze bench by Paul Evans. New black leather upholstery. Signed “PE 69”.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Seven-Piece Signed Paul Evans Sectional Sofa
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Amazing super rare seven-piece sectional sofa by Paul Evans. Unusual large random tubular tufted sections give this huge sofa a fabulous modern overall look. Upholstered in the first...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Cityscape Benches by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of benches designed by Paul Evans (1931-1987) for Directional, circa 1973. Model PE244, these benches feature a stunning patchwork of contrasting polished and brushed chromed ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Directional 4 Rare Patchwork Chairs Patinated Brass Steel Leatherette
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super rare set of four original condition and signed Paul Evans for Directional patchwork chairs on castors. Clad in patinated brass, atop welded and enameled steel bases, upholste...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Magnificent Paul Evans Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Loveseat Sofa Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Paul Evans for Directional biscuit tufted party loveseat sofa. We have never seen this particular model from Paul Evans before but do have the original catalog photo-see ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Paul Evans Rare and Exceptional Pair of Patchwork Cube Lounge Chairs, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare swiveling patchwork cube lounge chairs in hand-welded bronze copper and steel on ebonized wood bases by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 1970's. These chairs are works...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Steel
Magnificent Paul Evans for Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Paul Evans for Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. We have never seen this particular model from Paul Evans before but do have the original catalog photo-see photos. T...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Set of six dining chairs, two armchairs and four side chairs from Paul Evans for Directional. Stainless steel and new charcoal-gray wool upholstery. Measures: Side chairs are 19" wid...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Brutalist Modern Loveseat by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage love seat features patchwork hammered metal construction, and makes a substantial and impressive addition to any seating situation. Unique leather covered cushion...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight sculptural "Cityscape" dining chairs, designed by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, signed with label underneath one chair, circa 1970s. They have been reupholstered in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Chrome Cityscape Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 featu...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Cityscape Leather Desk Chair with Castors by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful cityscape chair in chrome and brass patchwork made by Paul Evans studio for Directional, circa 1974. The chair is supported by exposed legs that extend to the back, givin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Set of Eight Dining Chairs Arm Side Chrome Cantilever
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Amazing set of eight Paul Evans chrome cantilever dining chairs, includes two arm chairs and six side chairs. These have been newly upholstered in a Clarence House fabric. Dining tab...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Set of Eight Cityscape Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
A complete set of eight inclusive of two armchairs. Almost all eight of these are signed with labels to underside. White leather shows wear but should be restorable to retain origina...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Set of Six Signed Paul Evans Dining Chairs, 1982
By Paul Evans
Located in Hamburg, PA
A unique set of six Paul Evans upholstered dining chairs in grey linen. Each chair has a set of chrome casters. The chairs are in very good condition with some signs of minor use or ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Upholstered Parsons Bench, 1973
By Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stunning Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Parsons bench
By Paul Evans "Cityscape" Collection
USA, 1973
Brass-plated steel, with tufted ivory upholstered seat....
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Brass
Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors by Paul Evans Inc
By Paul Evans
Located in Wayne, NJ
Chrome cityscape fabric desk arm side chair with castors by Paul Evans Inc. Has a metallic stripe on fabric. May work well as a vanity chair also, but check arm height, compared to y...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Metal
Rare Pair of Paul Evans Velvet Upholstered Chairs, 1977
By Paul Evans
Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire
A rare pair of chrome cantilevered chairs, designed by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Collection 77, USA, 1977.
Paul Evans was born in Pennsylvania in 1931. He studied sculp...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Completely restored with Edelman leather this incredible pair of Paul Evans for Directional dining chairs are exquisite.
Condition:
Excellent restored condition with new Edelman...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans, Set of Four Sculpted Bronze Chairs, USA
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Set of four sculpted bronze chairs by Paul Evans USA, c. 1970 (model PE-106.).
Category
1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Bronze
Rare Set of Ten Paul Evans Mahogany and Leather Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in Hollywood, FL
Comprised of two arms and eight sides, the tufted leather upholstered seat above square flat slatted backs and legs on large casters- labels to underside Paul Evans, Paul Evans studi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Paul Evans seating for sale on 1stDibs
Paul Evans Seats are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are frequently made of metal and designed with extraordinary care. There are many options in our Paul Evans collection of seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. In-stock we have 39 vintage editions of these items, while there is also 0 modern edition to choose from. Many of Paul Evans' original seats were created in the Mid-Century Modern style in the United States during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Paul Frankl, Brickel Associates and , Kipp Stewart. The prices for Paul Evans seating can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at US$2,795 and tops out at US$95,000, while pieces like these can sell for US$12,950 on average..
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