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.

Creator: Paul Evans

Mid Century Modern Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors Paul Evans

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

Mid Century Modern Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors Paul Evans

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 Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set 6 Paul Frankl Style Mid Century Dining Chairs 2 Arm + 4 Side with New Fabric

$5,395 / set

H 33 in W 19 in D 20.5 in

Set 6 Paul Frankl Style Mid Century Dining Chairs 2 Arm + 4 Side with New Fabric

By Paul Frankl

Located in Troy, MI

Circa 1950s set of six dining chairs in manner of Paul Frankl. Found in the US - unknown maker - these chairs are similar in style to the Corset chair des...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

$980 / set

H 32.5 in W 24 in D 24 in

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Located in Buchanan, NY

A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off

H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

By John Widdicomb

Located in Huntington, NY

A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Italian Baroque Arm Chair with Fortuny Fabric

$2,080Sale Price|36% Off

H 50.5 in W 29 in D 33 in

Italian Baroque Arm Chair with Fortuny Fabric

Located in Milford, NH

Wonderful Italian Baroque chair from the 18th century. Nicely hand carved and upholstered with Fortuny fabric. Seat height is 19.5".

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Steel Chair with Green Fabric

$2,055

H 34.26 in W 17.72 in D 21.26 in

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Steel Chair with Green Fabric

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-Century Modern tubular steel chair with green fabric in the style of Marcel Breuer. By unknown manufacturer from Germany, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear cons...

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Unique Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Side Chair

$1,200

H 26 in W 27 in D 26 in

Unique Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Side Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful vintage modern lounge chair features a unique barrel backrest that slants downward. This captain chair style piece has angled back legs and thick padded seating covere...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather

Mid-Century Modern Beech Chairs, Upholstered Fabric, Italy, 1960s

$496 / set

H 38.98 in W 16.34 in D 18.9 in

Mid-Century Modern Beech Chairs, Upholstered Fabric, Italy, 1960s

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Pair of beechwood chairs with sprung upholstery and fabric cover.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Paul Evans Style Monumental High Back Throne Chairs on Casters. Chrome, Brass.

$15,850 / set

H 61 in W 20 in D 33.5 in

Paul Evans Style Monumental High Back Throne Chairs on Casters. Chrome, Brass.

By Paul Evans

Located in Kansas City, MO

One of a kind, custom made, monumental, crazy cool, pair of chairs in the style of Paul Evans. The brass and chrome patchwork design is similar to Cityscape designs. The upper back...

Category

2010s American Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern

$800Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 16 in W 36.5 in D 12.75 in

1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern

By Paul Evans

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, Inspired by Paul Evans' famous "Argente" and "Cityscape" series (1968), the set features hand-sculpted and stamped metalwork. Raised diamond pattern. The surfaces are made of aluminum and boast a textured, geometric pyramid pattern that gives them an industrial, silver-leaf look. 1970s Aluminum Bench...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Cityscape Leather Desk Chair with Castors by Paul Evans for Directional

$4,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 34 in W 22 in D 27 in

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 leg...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Maple Slipper Side Chair

$1,200

H 32 in W 20 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Maple Slipper Side Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, slipper side chair features a black lacquered maple frame with woven, cotton linen upholstery and contrasting covered buttons.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs

$3,879 / set

H 30 in W 42 in D 72 in

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs

By Paul McCobb

Located in Tulsa, OK

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs Table and chairs in above average vintage condition. Have some expected vintage wear which should ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Maple

Previously Available Items

Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric

Sold

H 31.89 in W 22.05 in D 23.23 in

Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric

By Directional, Paul Evans

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

Rare Pair of Reupholstered Armchairs in Burgundy Mohair by Paul Evans

Sold

H 25.99 in W 25.6 in D 20.08 in

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

1969 Dining Table & 8 Chairs by Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist

Sold

H 32 in W 27 in D 22 in

1969 Dining Table & 8 Chairs by Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist

By Paul Evans

Located in San Diego, CA

Elevate your dining experience with this extraordinary set crafted by the legendary Paul Evans Studio in 1969. Comprising a rare ensemble of eight chairs and a dining table, this co...

Category

20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans Cityscape 6 Chairs

Sold

H 36 in W 18 in D 26 in

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

Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather

Sold

H 34.5 in W 18.5 in D 24 in

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

Set of Eight Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs by Paul Evans

Sold

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 20 in

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 chairs (Model PE 106). Skylin table available from the same "sculpted-bronze"series, Newly upholstered with a silk/chenille fabric. Truly works of art by the greatest designer and sculptor of the American Studio Furniture...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Chairs

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Paul Evans PE-106 Upholstered Chairs

Sold

H 32.5 in W 24 in D 27 in

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

Set of Six Paul Evans Dining Chairs, 1982

Sold

H 34.5 in W 21 in D 27.5 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

Sold

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 20 in

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

Sold

H 32.5 in W 27.5 in

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

Mid Century Modern Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors Paul Evans

Sold

H 33.38 in W 24.5 in D 27.25 in

Mid Century Modern Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors Paul Evans

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

Paul Evans Set of Twelve Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 21 in

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 Dan Johnson, Karpen of California, and Pace Collection. Prices for Paul Evans chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,500 and can go as high as $130,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,750.