Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

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

Burl Cityscape Executive Desk By Paul Evans

$35,000

Burl Cityscape Executive Desk By Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Chicago, IL

A period Paul Evans Desk in Cityscape Burl wood. In rather remarkable original condition minus some minor wear and tear that can easily be fixed. Please request additional photos a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Executive Desk

$35,000Sale Price|32% Off

Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Executive Desk

By Paul Evans

Located in Toledo, OH

Beautiful mid-century Cityscape executive desk by Paul Evans in a patchwork burlwood design with two drawers on each side of the satin chrome pillared supports. No modesty panel. 84"...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

'Cityscape' by Paul Evans Dining Table with Leaf

$5,000

H 29.5 in W 75.5 in D 40 in

'Cityscape' by Paul Evans Dining Table with Leaf

By Paul Evans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Polished chrome patchwork table by Paul Evans for his Cityscape line. Comes with a 15" leaf. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Walnut and Burl Wood Executive Desk by Stow Davis

$4,995

H 29 in W 72 in D 36 in

Mid-Century Walnut and Burl Wood Executive Desk by Stow Davis

By Stow Davis

Located in North Hollywood, CA

A stunning mid-century modern executive desk, expertly crafted by Stow Davis in the 1960s in the United States. This piece showcases a beautiful burl wood top, elegantly wrapped in r...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage “Cityscape” Burl and Gunmetal Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional

$7,500

H 16 in W 41 in D 34 in

Vintage “Cityscape” Burl and Gunmetal Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional

By Paul Evans

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Introducing the exquisite vintage "Cityscape" coffee table, an iconic piece designed by the renowned Paul Evans for Directional, a celebrated figure in the world of mid-century moder...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1968 Executive Desk

$6,500

H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in

1968 Executive Desk

By Warren Platner

Located in Hanover, MA

Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Cocktail Table

$3,500

H 15.75 in W 42 in D 42 in

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Cocktail Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Dallas, TX

A Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style cocktail/coffee table. This gorgeous midcentury modern coffee table is part of the legendary Paul Evans Cityscape series of furniture. Th...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Executive Desk by Henredon

$7,195

H 30.5 in W 70 in D 34 in

Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Executive Desk by Henredon

By Milo Baughman, Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco style executive writing desk In the manner of Milo Baughman By Henredon, "Scene Two" Collection USA, Circa 1970s Stunning bo...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar, Burl

Paul Evans Cityscape Long Dining Table

$5,700Sale Price|40% Off

H 29.5 in W 84 in D 40 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Long Dining Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul Evans for directional "Cityscape", 84" Parsons style dining table. All chromed metal over wood with additional pair of leaves. Possible length of 114" with both 15" leaves.

Category

1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Coffee Table Chrome & Burl Mid Century Modern 1960s

$4,850

H 16 in W 42 in D 42 in L 16 in

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Coffee Table Chrome & Burl Mid Century Modern 1960s

By Paul Evans

Located in Atlanta, GA

Glamorous Cityscape Coffee Table, made by Paul Evans, signed, American, circa 1960s. The table with glass measures 42" x 42" x 16" height. The coffee table base itself measures 15.25...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table

$2,600

H 24 in W 32 in D 32 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in New York, NY

Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

1970's Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans

$7,425

H 13 in W 51 in D 23.5 in

1970's Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans, c. 1970's, USA L 51" x W 23.5" x H 13" FDV11574 *Wear consistent with age and use.

Category

1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

1960's Executive Desk from Denmark

$6,800

H 30 in W 29 in D 62.5 in

1960's Executive Desk from Denmark

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Executive desk from Denmark circa mid-1960s now available. This example has matte black iron legs, open back for additional storage, interior and exterior drawers and original brass ...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Cityscape Table by Paul Evans for Directional

$7,800

H 22 in W 30 in D 30 in

Cityscape Table by Paul Evans for Directional

By Paul Evans

Located in Atlanta, GA

A nice brass and chrome patchwork cityscape table, model no PE 231 by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. Cube form with cross angled block support that exhibits a simply modern...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Previously Available Items

Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed

Sold

H 29 in W 84 in D 36 in

Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking and highly collectible patchwork burl executive desk designed by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. This iconic example showcases Evans’ signature studio-crafted aes...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Magnificent Burl Cityscape Wraparound Executive Desk by Paul Evans Midcentury

Sold

H 29 in W 96 in D 66 in

Magnificent Burl Cityscape Wraparound Executive Desk by Paul Evans Midcentury

By Paul Evans

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Magnificent burl walnut patchwork Cityscape executive desk by Paul Evans. The huge burl walnut wrap-around top has three drawers and is in very nice vintage condition with only light...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 84 in D 34 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Desk

By Paul Evans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Paul Evans designed executive desk with brilliant burl wood patchwork design. Beautiful piece for home or office, signed by the artist. Please confirm location.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

1970s, Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape Executive Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 72 in D 35 in

1970s, Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape Executive Desk

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Studio for Directional, Cityscape executive desk in maple burl veneer, chrome plated steel and a rare bullno...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Burl, Chrome, and Glass Skyline Dining Table

Sold

H 29 in W 96 in D 48 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Burl, Chrome, and Glass Skyline Dining Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Culver City, CA

Available right now we have this stunning Cityscape dining table designed by Paul Evans in the 1960's. When Paul Evans designed this striking dining table, it was meant to mimic the new York City skyline. This fabulous dining table features a burl and chrome patchwork pattern and would look incredible with the matching dining chairs (which we currently have in stock, or a set of chrome BRNO or Milo Baughman thinline...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Brutalist Skyline Dining Table

Sold

H 30 in W 96 in D 48 in

Paul Evans Brutalist Skyline Dining Table

By Paul Evans

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Paul Evans brutalist "Skyline" sculpted bronze resin dining table with 48" x 96" x 3/4" thick glass top. Signed PE70 Only base is 65" x 27".

Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans, Argente Desk, USA

Sold

H 36 in W 72 in D 29 in

Paul Evans, Argente Desk, USA

By Paul Evans

Located in New York, NY

Signed “Paul Evans 67” this adaptable desk is composed of a Pennsylvania slate top resting on two checker patterned pedestals. Two rolling file cabinets can be positioned beneath the...

Category

1960s American Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Slate, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Chrome Cityscape Desk by Paul Evans for Directional

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Chrome Cityscape Desk by Paul Evans for Directional

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stunning mixed metal patchwork design made by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture. This cantilevered design features brass and chrome panels and two drawers. Good overall conditio...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Rare Brass and Bronze Cityscape Writing Desk by Paul Evans for Directional

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 20 in

Rare Brass and Bronze Cityscape Writing Desk by Paul Evans for Directional

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Danville, CA

Rare and very well preserved brass and bronze cityscape writing desk or console by Paul Evans for Directional. The table is veneered in patchwork metal tiles, including the top. Ther...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Brass Chrome Rosewood Cityscape Desk Console

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Brass Chrome Rosewood Cityscape Desk Console

By Paul Evans

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a marvelous desk, made of patchwork brass and chrome and a rosewood top, covered by glass, signed by Paul Evans for Directional, the Cityscape collection, c...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Expanding Dining Table

Sold

H 29 in W 92 in D 49 in

Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Expanding Dining Table

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designed for directional, the dining Table was designed by Iconic mid-century designer, Paul Evans. The expandable, highly polished, burl wood top sits on a polished chrome base and ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

What Every Executive Needs Paul Evans Burl Top City Scape Desk for Directional

Sold

H 29 in W 96 in D 66 in

What Every Executive Needs Paul Evans Burl Top City Scape Desk for Directional

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Ferndale, MI

Large ? Oversize ? Massive ? Maybe over scale is the proper term. But yes a big desk. Executive desk designed by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture. Part of the city scape series. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul Evans desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Evans desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Evans desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by Frank Lloyd Wright, Warren Platner, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Paul Evans desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $15,000 and can go as high as $55,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $22,500.