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Paul Evans Chairs

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 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.

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Creator: Paul Evans
Rare Paul Evans for Directional Bar Suite with Barstools in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dry bar with pair of barstools from the Bronze series, epoxy bronzed resin over steel and laminate, slate, reupholstered mohair, United States, circa 1975 This rare set is designed by Paul Evans for Directional and contains a bar furnished with two shelves and a pair of swivel stools reupholstered in a natural light blue mohair. Evans employed the technique of Sculpted Bronze to create the distinctive forms evident in this bar suite. The appearance is reminiscent of stalagmite known for its rugged and jagged texture. This approach to metalworking allowed for the intricate sculpting and shaping of bronze, resulting in the unique aesthetic qualities of Evans' design. The bronze series was introduced by Evans in 1964 at Directional, with production being a blend of traditional craftsmanship, spontaneous artistry, and experimental technology. To create the pieces, Dorsey Reading fashioned a plywood base shape which was then coated with epoxy and sprayed with bronze using a technique adapted from shipbuilding. In certain instances, Evans and Reading added more bronze...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Slate, Bronze, Steel

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 born ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze

1969 Dining Table & 8 Chairs by Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist
By Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare set of 8 chairs and a dining table designed by Paul Evans Studio in 1969. in bronze finish the set comes with 2 armchairs 6 armless chairs...
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul Evans Cityscape 6 Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans for Directional. Set of 6 cityscape dining chairs. Brass with original dark tan leather suede upholstery. 1970's Mid-Century Modern All chairs are on castor...
Category

1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

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, b...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

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 Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted mahogany frames, with cane backs, and upholstered seats. ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

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Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany

Paul Evans Collection 77 Chrome Cantilevered Arm Chair for Directional
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Single Paul Evans chrome and ultra suede cantilevered office, dining or side chair with arms for Directional. Designed for the Collection 77 serie...
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

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Chrome

Paul Evans Flip Top Cityscape Bar Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

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Burl

De Coene Set of Six Dining Chairs, 1970s, Belgium
By De Coene Frères
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautifully designed comfortable dining room chairs in solid exotic wood with a silver accent which makes the chairs stylish and elegant with original green velvet upholstery. Set of...
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1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

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Paul Evans Chrome and Suede Cityscape Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Lounge Chairs, 1970. Upholstery is blue suede all original. Patchwork is constructed of steel plate frames with contrast of polished chr...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Paul Evans Studio Wet Bar Cabinet with Hidden Sink, c 1970, Authenticated
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique and important custom wet bar cabinet by Paul Evans Studio was crafted in circa 1970, featuring a flip-top with hidden sink and faucet and multiple storage spaces behind h...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

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Metal

Paul Evans Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Wall Mounted Disc Bar
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic Paul Evans Brutalist sculpted bronze wall-mounted disc bar cabinet, model PE-122. Bar features two doors concealing one drawer, one cabinet wi...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Six Chairs Solid Beechwood by Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals, 1970s
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Sawmill
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful set of six very sculptural dining room chairs in beeche wood by Swedish architect and designer Rainer Daumiller, manufactured by Hirtshalls Sawmills. The beech variant is...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Beech

Rare Brutalist "Sculpted Bronze" Cabinet by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
"Sculpted bronze" buffet by Paul Evans for Directional the front fitted with four panel doors and the top fitted typical slate slabs, the inside featuring adjustable shelves. Signed:...
Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen Dining Chairs by DIRECTIONAL Furniture Co Se...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Linen

Tiki Bar with Barstools and Back Bar
Located in Palm Springs, CA
One of a kind studio made tiki bar with back bar and a pair of bar stools. Contains new heavy canvas fabric in vintage style. Bar measures: 50" wide, 2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

  • Tiki Bar with Barstools and Back Bar
  • Tiki Bar with Barstools and Back Bar
  • Tiki Bar with Barstools and Back Bar
  • Tiki Bar with Barstools and Back Bar
H 42.5 in W 50 in D 26 in
Paul Evans Cityscape Cubist Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern Boucle Fabric 1970s
By Barbara Barry, Paul Evans
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 Chairs

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
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 Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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 Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

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 Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Eight Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Set of eight Mid-Century Modern brutalist sculpted bronze dining chairs by Paul Evans This extremely rare to find set is comprised of: Two armchairs (Model PE 105) and six side chair...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Armchairs, Late 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire
A pair of 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 bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A set of 6 Paul Evans dining chairs. 2 armchairs and 4 side chairs Original surface and upholstery. Bronzed resin over steel.
Category

1960s North American Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Metal

  • Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs
  • Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs
  • Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs
  • Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs
H 32.5 in W 24 in D 27 in
Set of Six Paul Evans Dining Chairs, 1982
By Paul Evans
Located in Hamburg, PA
A plush set of six Signed/Labeled/Marked Paul Evans dining chairs on wheels. These chairs are extremely comfortable. The chairs are structurall...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Leather, Suede

Set of Eight Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Set of eight midcentury modern brutalist sculpted bronze dining chairs by Paul Evans This extremely rare to find set is comprised of: Two armchairs (Model PE 105) and six side cha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of Midcentury Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Patinated Paul Evans PE105 Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of highly collectable Paul Evans sculpted bronze armchairs. Epoxy with applied bronze over steel frame with upholstery. All original chairs.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Rare Pair of Reupholstered Armchairs in Burgundy Mohair by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, pair of armchairs, steel and upholstery, United States, 1960s  A rare pair of highly sculptural armchairs by Paul Evans. The base consists of a torch-cut, welded, poly...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans Set of Twelve Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans set of twelve brutalist sculpted bronze dining chairs. This extremely rare to find set is comprised of two armchairs (Model PE 105) and ten side chairs (Model PE 106). New...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Composition, Metal

Paul Evans chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Evans chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Evans chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Paul Evans 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 chairs by Brickel Associates, John Stuart, and Calvin. Prices for Paul Evans chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £1,782 and can go as high as £104,148, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £7,110.

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