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 for Directional 'PE 68' Wall Unit in Bronzed Resin and Glass
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, wall shelves, model 'PE 68', epoxy bronzed resin over wood, glass, United States, 1970s Grand wall unit by Paul Evans, designed for Di...
Glass, Resin, Wood
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A custom made large wall unit by Paul Evans Studio for Directional. It consists of four portals with cityscape brass and chrome patchwork that support eight smoke glass shelves and a...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass & Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork ...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Glass Wall Mount Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Cityscape wall shelf features two sculptural brass bracket supports constructed from the designer's signature faceted, geometric panel work — the defining visual language ...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. I...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Shelves by Paul Evans, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Toledo, OH
These beautiful brass and glass cityscape shelves by Paul Evans could be used as a floating shelf or a floating credenza. The brass bases are 14" x 14" and the glass is 60" long and ...
Brass
Paul Evans Floating Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This cityscape floating wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's features a brass patchwork design brackets and clear glass shelf. Signed as pictured. Wear is consistent with ...
Brass
Rare MCM Paul Evans Cityscape large etagere freestanding shelves USA 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Hastings, GB
A rare signed iconic Paul Evans 'Cityscape' large freestanding etagere, USA 1970s. Chrome & brass clad patchwork design- even on the underside- with thick smoked glass slot-in shelve...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Patchwork & Slate Console & Mirror Set, USA 1960's
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Matched Console & Mirror set by Paul Evans in patinated Copper, Brass, and steel riveted patchwork. Slate top on the console. The mirror is 31x31x5 Console 60x13x6.5
Slate, Brass, Copper, Steel
Paul Evans Custom Cityscape Etageres with Lighting, Signed, c. 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your mid-century modern decor with the exclusive Paul Evans Custom Cityscape Etageres with Lighting, Signed, c. 1970s. These remarkable pieces were custom-made for their orig...
Chrome
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Pyramidal Wall Brackets
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sculpted bronze wall brackets with original glass shelf Measures: Glass shelf 60" L x 14" D.
Resin
Pair Paul Evans Bracket Shape Burl Walnut Polished Chrome Hanging Shelves Mint
By Paul Evans
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of signed Paul Evans bracket shape burl walnut polished chrome hanging shelves Mint!
Chrome
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Display Shelf in Chrome and Glass
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The "Cityscape" style of Paul Evans makes this elegant three-shelf unit a beautiful storage or display piece in any setting. Freestanding Mid-Century chrome and glass design allows f...
Chrome
Impressive Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Chrome Étagère
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning vintage modern signed Paul Evans patchwork bookcase with three thick smoked glass inserts as shelves. The functional and sleek design offers plenty of room to store and di...
Chrome
Midcentury Walnut Cado Display Shelf
By Poul Cadovius
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Walnut Cado System display shelf thats meant to hold books or flat artwork. The shelf has a beautiful catch at the bottom preventing a book from...
Rosewood
$6,750 / set
H 8 in W 3 in D 12 in
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
$3,200
H 19 in W 54 in D 25 in
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Modern Cantilever Floating Gold Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dayton, OH
An intriguing Mid Century Modern Floating Cocktail Table by 'Paul Evans'. Part of the Cityscape Collection, Circa 1970. The coffee table is made from Polished/Brushed Metal & G...
Metal
$7,529 / item
H 48.82 in Dm 15.75 in
Mini MYDNA 4 Tier, Standing Shelf, Shelving Unit in Red by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
MYDNA is a chic and contemporary storage system inspired by the DNA concept: both by its sophisticated double helix shape, and by the metaphorical statement that everything you place...
Plywood
Cityscape Brass And Glass Floating Coffee Table By Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This striking Cityscape brass and glass floating coffee table by Paul Evans captures the sculptural, architectural spirit that defines his iconic work. Designed in the 1970s as part ...
Brass
$2,295
H 40 in W 26.5 in D 18.5 in
Austrian Wiener Werkstätte Bookcase/ Shelf /Bakers Rack/ Display Stand
By Thonet
Located in New York City, NY
A three shelf Jugendstil bookcase / etagere / bakers rack, two tone in stained and polished beechwood with decorative openwork side panels extendin...
Beech
$2,749Sale Price|50% Off
H 86.62 in W 62.6 in D 15.75 in
Freestanding Michel Ducaroy Wall Unit in Acrylic and Aluminum for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Markington, GB
Freestanding Michel Ducaroy modular wall unit in acrylic and aluminum for Roche Bobois Freestanding Michel Ducaroy modular wall uni...
Aluminum
Julian Chichester Designed Wall Unit
By Paul McCobb, Julian Chichester
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two piece wall unit designed by Julian Chichester in natural vellum and metal framing. Designed after Paul McCobb's iconic wall unit. Mid-Century Modern two piece wall unit with shelving storage and drawers. Standing room divider with storage...
Metal
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 68.5 in W 33.5 in D 15 in
ONE AVAILABLE. Display Shelf in Red Tubular Enameled Steel with 3/8 Inch Glass
Located in Kansas City, MO
ONE AVAILABLE. Storage shelf with 3/8 inch polished edge glass and red enameled tubular frames. Very good condition. Price is for one. These would work well in any mid century, post...
Glass
$25,000
H 32.25 in W 84.13 in D 22 in
Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black...
Brass
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Credenza
By Directional, Paul Evans, Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape patchwork burlwood credenza. This stunning long mid-century Paul Evans for Directional attributed credenza or chest ...
Wood
$3,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 77.72 in W 31.62 in D 31.62 in
Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Glass Étagère with Five Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury brass, Lucite and glass corner étagère. Five shelves We have four corner étagères available (Three with measurements 31.61in x 31.61in and one 39.37 x 39.37). One of the...
Brass
Paul Evans Wall-Hanging Console, Sculpted Bronze, Slate, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Wall-Hanging Console, Sculpted Bronze, Slate, Signed. In original condition and purchased from the original owner. Large scale chunky wall mounted shelf, finished dark in ...
Slate, Bronze
Sold
H 78 in W 101.25 in D 17.75 in
Signed Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall Unit with Smoked Glass 1971
By Paul Evans
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Signed Paul Evans Sculpted Broze Wall Unit with Smoked Glass 1971
Bronze
Sold
H 8.63 in W 60 in D 12.13 in
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Collection Chrome, Brass, and Glass Shelf
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare Mid-Century Modern floating wall shelf or console table By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection USA, 1970s Patchwork chrome and brass L-brackets, with glass t...
Chrome, Brass
Paul Evans Pair of Rare Etageres in Tessellated Burl and Brass 1975
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of etageres from the PE 500 series, called Waterfall, in tessellated burl with radius corners in tessellated brass and smoked glass shelves...
Brass
Paul Evans Sculpted Wall Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall Shelf Original Thick Cleft Slate top Signed "PE 71".
Epoxy Resin
Sold
H 6.5 in W 60 in D 13 in
Extra Long Brutalist Wall Mount Shelf and Matching Wall Mirror by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Classic Paul Evans Brutalist slate top console with matching patchwork metal frame mirror. This set features the hard to find extra long ( 60 inch ) ...
Slate, Brass, Copper
Paul Evans Large Etagere in Walnut Burl with Glass Shelves 1973 (Signed)
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large and impressive etagere in tessellated walnut burl with inset bronze glass shelves by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American 1973 (Retains original Paul Evans chrome sig...
Glass, Walnut, Burl
Sold
H 78.5 in W 54 in D 15 in
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, First Year of Production
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans 'Sculpted Bronze Series' wall unit acquired from the original owner who acquired it from the Directional showroom in NYC. This unit is signed PE and is dated from the very first year of production, 1969. It is in very good original condition with bronze glass shelves...
Bronze
Sold
H 8.5 in W 48 in D 12 in
Paul Evans for Directional Chrome and Glass Floating Shelves or Console Tables
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare pair of mid-century modern floating wall shelves or console tables By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection USA, 1970s ...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Chrome and Glass Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Cityscape with Chrome Holders and Glass Shelf. In original condition with visible wear, consistent with age and use. New glass plate. Another available in brass.
Chrome
Sold
H 9 in W 48 in D 12 in
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Chrome
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped w...
Chrome
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall Unit 1974 'Signed and Dated'
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wall unit with 2 pilasters in sculpted bronze resin and smoked glass shelves by Paul Evans, American 1974 (signed "PE 74"). This piece was created from a mixture of epoxy resin and s...
Bronze