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.
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf Chrome, Brass and Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L s...
Brass, Chrome
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Directional, 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 brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Style Cityscape Floating Shelf in Glass & Chrome
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features fine heavy construction with chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Patchwork Hanging Shelf Console Table & Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Evans studio floating shelf and mirror set circa early 1970's. It features copper, bronze and pewter cladding in a patchwork design. Console shelf measures 60 x 13 x 6.5 inches ...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Studio Floating Console Shelf and Mirror Set, USA, Circa 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans studio floating console shelf and mirror set, USA, Circa 1970s Brutalist patchwork design in copper and pewter. A striking example of Paul Evans’ iconic Brutalist aestheti...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Pewter
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Studio Wall Mounted Space Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Wall Mounted Space Console, Paul Evans Studio 1965c. Stainless steel case with leather drawer front. Very few of these were produced. (Craig Ellwood Painting pictur...
Stainless Steel
Early Paul Evans Sculpted Steel Polychrome Wall Shelf Console Table, 1960
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Paul Evans Sculpted Steel Poly Chrome Wall Shelf Console Table, 1960. 1960 Paul Evans Studio piece, great condition and absolutely beautiful...
Slate, Metal
Pair Of Paul Evans Authenticated Cityscape Console Tables
By Paul Evans, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Of Paul Evans Cityscape Console Tables Consoles come with a document of authentication acquired from Dorsey Reading. These are being sold in the original aged finish that sho...
Wood
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in 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 chrome clad patchwork design. ...
Chrome
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Console Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Denton, TX
Paul Evans cityscape for Directional dining / console table with chrome-plated steel and burled wood base. Glass not included Base dimensions: 63 L x 19 D x 28.38 Glass: 71 3/...
Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Mirror and Wall Mounted Console Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Cityscape" model mirror and wall mounted console table, designed by Paul Evans, American, circa 1960s. The mirror measures 24"H x 24"W x 3"D. The console measures 48"W x 12"D x 8"H.
Metal
Cityscape Multifaceted Dining Console Table Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the most striking designs from Cityscape series by Paul Evans, this multifaceted table base from PE 300 series features a combination of brass and walnut burls panels and indi...
Brass
$7,000Sale Price|26% Off
Illuminated Cityscape Corner Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A triangular corner side table in the "Cityscape" series made by Paul Evans studio for Directional, circa 1975. The table was a custom piece with built-in illuminated underneath. It ...
Brass, Chrome
Cubist Console / Dining Table Base by Paul Evans / Directional / PE 300 Series
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Cubist Console / Dining Table Base form by Paul Evans. From the PE 300 Series Paul Evans Studio for Directional USA, circa 1975 Lacquered Bird's-Eye Maple w/Brass This work can al...
Wood
Paul Evans Authenticated Cityscape Console Table
By Paul Evans, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Console Table Console comes with a document of authentication acquired from Dorsey Reading. Consoles are being sold in the original aged finish that shows wea...
Wood
Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Console or Dining Table Base
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans for Directional cityscape patchwork burlwood console table, center table or dining table base. This stunning Mid-Century Modern Evans att...
Burl
Paul Evans Console with Mirror, Mid Century Modern, 1978, Hollywood Regency
By Paul Evans
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Evans console and mirror, Mid-Century Modern. A rare model PE 881 marquetry inlaid mirror and console by Paul Evans. Purchased from Paul E...
Boxwood
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
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 71 in W 47.25 in D 17.25 in
Faux Stone Console Table and Mirror by Michael Taylor
By Michael Taylor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
O spectacular faux stone console table and wall mirror design by Michael Taylor. The table and mirror are constructed of fiberglass made to look lik...
Mirror, Fiberglass
Paul McCobb Wall-Mounted Floating Console
By Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
Introducing an extraordinary mid-century wall-mounted floating three-tier console, a sought-after piece designed by the esteemed Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals in the 1950s. With it...
Steel, Cut Steel
$4,995
H 15.5 in W 42.5 in D 42.5 in
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
$8,250
H 16 in W 49 in D 10 in
Plump Floating Wall Console in Mantis Green, Translucent Resin, by Ian Cochran
By Ian Cochran
Located in New York, NY
Plump Resin Floating Wall Console, Ian Cochran This resin console by Ian Cochran is mounted into the wall to give the piece an overall floating effect. A continuation of the Plump s...
Resin
$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
$2,800
H 33.5 in W 78 in D 9.5 in
Extra Large Brutalist Two Tier Iron and Glass Console Table after Evans c1970's
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Brutalist school console table in the style of Paul Evans, made in the USA c. 1970's. The table is constructed of solid iron bars, which are hand sculpted to create a dim...
Wrought Iron
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
$3,500 / set
H 20.25 in W 33.25 in D 10.5 in
Mid-Century Pier Luigi Colli 'Attr' Italian Modern Gilt Iron Console & Mirror
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional mid-century Italian modern scrolled frame hammered texture gilt iron console table and mirror set, attributed to Pier Luigi Colli (Italy, 1895-1968). Elegantly sophist...
Iron
$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
1980s Oriental Accent Hitchcock Style Console Table and Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
1980s Oriental Accent Hitchcock Style console table and mirror. Crackle lacquer Paint on console top. Hand painted flowers on top and sides. Banded gol...
Mirror, Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Rococo Wall-Mounted Console Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant corner wall-mounted console in wood with original paint and beautifully hand-carved details. The soft, organic forms and rich foliate ornamentation are characteristic of the ...
Wood
Paul Evans for Directional wall mounted Cityscape console table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the Paul Evans Cityscape line of polished steel patchwork furniture . One drawer wall mounted entryway console . Manufactured by Directional furniture mid 1970s . Front and side...
Stainless Steel
Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Console Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape console table. This gorgeous mid century modern console table is part of the legendary Paul Evans Cityscape series of furniture. All of Paul Ev...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mount Console and Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Paul Evans Cityscape wall-mounted console and mirror set features a striking mid-century modern design. The console consists of two square wall-mounted boxes, each measuring 12" ...
Metal
Paul Evans Studio Mirror and Console Suite
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Mirror and Console Suite; Rare Sculptured Bronze Metal Console Table with slate top and Mirror from the 100 series, 1970c. Comes with letter of authenticity from Do...
Slate
Sold
H 12.75 in W 60 in D 14 in
Mid-Century Cityscape Console Shelf in Chrome W/ Smoked Glass Top by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and artfully designed Mid-Century Modernist City Scape Console shelf in Chrome W/ Smoked Glass Top is by the esteemed artist and designer Paul Evans and originates from t...
Chrome
Sold
H 6.5 in W 60 in D 13 in
Mid-Century Brutalist Patchwork Granite Top Wall Mounted Console by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
This striking and rare Mid-Century Brutalist Patchwork Wall Mounted Console with Granite Top is by Paul Evans and originates from the United States Circa 1970. Featuring a rectangula...
Granite, Metal
Fantastic Paul Evans Brutalist Goop Wall Console Table Mid-Century Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Paul Evan sculpted goop brutalist wall console table with honed slate top. This piece is signed PE 69. It measure 6"t x 60"l x 14"d
Slate
Sold
H 40 in W 60 in D 13.5 in
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Patchwork Brutalist Mirror Console Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Paul Evans studio floating console table and mirror set circa early 1970's. It features copper, bronze and pewter cladding in a patchwork design. Console shelf measures 6...
Slate, Bronze, Copper
Sold
H 69.5 in Dm 47 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Floating Console, Mirror, 1975
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Console and Mirror, Directional Important 'Cityscape Series' chrome patchwork wall mounted floating console...
Chrome
Paul Evans Burl Patchwork Waterfall Cityscape Console Table, 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Burlwood Patchwork waterfall cityscape console table for Directional, 1970's. Completely restored.
Burl
Pair of Paul Evans "Cityscape" Consoles
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Paul Evans "Cityscape" consoles, signed, U.S.A. 1970s.
Metal
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze and Resin Console Table, Signed and Dated '71
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as ...
Bronze