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.
$22,750Sale Price|30% Off
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".
Bronze
Paul Evans Dining Table Cityscape Burl & Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40"
Brass
Dining Table by Paul Evans Sculpted Stalagmite, Directional, USA 1971 Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dining Table by Paul Evans Sculpted Stalagmite, Directional, USA 1971 Signed Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Dining Table for Directional Furniture, dated 1971 Sculptured "St...
Bronze, Metal
Paul Evans PE-509 Cityscape Dining Table by Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Raleigh, NC
Paul Evans PE-509 dining table from the Cityscape series, executed entirely in chrome patchwork. Geometric metal panels in varied rectangular shapes create the signature skyline-ins...
Chrome
Midcentury Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Beautiful patchwork burl wood design that sits on a pedestal base with chrom...
Chrome
Exceptional Sculpted Bronze Dining Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
Substantial Brutalist dining table base by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1977. Iconic "sculpted bronze" series, with handcrafted surfac...
Bronze
Paul Evans PE-509 Dining Table by Directional Furniture in Walnut Burl
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Raleigh, NC
This striking Paul Evans PE-509 dining table by Directional Furniture showcases the designer's masterful patchwork walnut burl construction. The table features Evans' signature tech...
Walnut
Paul Evans, "Cityscape" Dining Table, Mirror, Wood, Directional, USA, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and mirror "Cityscape" dining table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, circa 1970.
Mirror, Wood
Paul Evans Cityscape Expandable Dining Table. Burl Wood and Chrome. Signed.
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Stunning extension dining table designed by Paul Evans for his Cityscape series and manufactured by Directional. Patchwork burl top and chrome base. Without leaves it is a 47 inch ...
Burl
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 Mid Century Cityscape Burlwood and Brass Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Mid Century Cityscape Burlwood and Brass Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 48 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches Good Vint...
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome Dining Table This dining table measures: 96 wide x 48 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches Excellent Vintage Conditi...
Chrome
$9,525Sale Price|25% Off
Paul Evans Glass Top Cityscape Citiscape Signed Dining Room Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Wayne, NJ
This is a Glamorus Paul Evans glass top cityscape 8 foot dining table. Please note, this is a mirror finish show showing many reflections in photos...
Glass
$7,700Sale Price|30% Off
Signed Paul Evans Octagonal Cityscape Burl Wood and Chrome Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Paul Evans octagonal cityscape burl wood and chrome dining table.
Metal
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table Welded and patinated aluminum with 3/4" glass Welded signature and date to base ‘Paul Evans 73’. Sold with a digital cop...
Aluminum
$5,700Sale Price|40% Off
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.
Chrome, Metal
Paul Evans Chrome & Brass Plated Cityscape Dining Table Base
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century dining / conference table base with various size rectangular patchwork chrome and brass veneer panels eminating from a recta...
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inche...
Bronze
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Signed Paul Evans Burl Chrome Cityscape Dining Table Mid-Century
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent signed Paul Evans burl and chrome Cityscape Dining table. This piece is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of age. The table is signed with a Paul Eva...
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cityscape Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cityscape Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches All p...
Chrome
Paul Evans PE400 Faceted Dining Table in Walnut Burl & Chrome Plated Steel 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
The Cityscape collection designed by Paul Evans was produced by Directional Furniture from 1970 until 1981. The collection drew inspiration from urban environments and architectural ...
Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans Signed Mid Century Chrome Cityscape Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Signed mid century chrome Cityscape dining table This table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 26 inches high, with a chair clearance of 24 ...
Glass
Monumental Paul Evans Gunmetal Cityscape Dining Table Mid Century Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960s monumental “cityscape” dining table designed by Paul Evans for Directional. Featuring interlocking, undulating geometric pedestals in random heights and widths, accented wit...
Steel
Vintage MCM Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table – Gunmetal Base, Smoke Glass Top
By Paul Evans
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautiful vintage Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans “Cityscape” dining table in a polished gunmetal finish. The table is signed and features a brand-new smoke glass top, perfectly comple...
Chrome
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
$14,142Sale Price|49% Off
Paul Evans Scuplted Bronze Gesso Brutalist Skyline Dining Table Signed PE 77
By Paul Evans
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul Evans dining table. Sculpted bronze resin over wood frame supports .75' thick 72" x 42" glass top . Signed by Evans studio " PE 77 " . Fine original condition . Base alone meas...
Bronze
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Style Mid Century Patchwork Burlwood Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style mid century patchwork burlwood table The table measures: 39 wide x 39 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair...
Burl
Paul Evans Cityscape for Directional Pedestal Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Beautiful signed Paul Evans for Directional glass top Cityscape pedestal dining table. Features a black lacquered wood plinth/pedestal with brass patchwork arms in a mirrored finish ...
Brass
Pair of Chrome Cityscape Dining Pedestals by Paul Evans - Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Seize the rare opportunity to own an authentic and rare chrome metal patchwork pedestal dining table by Paul Evans. Table is comprised of 2 L-shaped pedestals clad in chrome pieces l...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage “Cityscape” Chrome Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Step into a world where art and function merge with this remarkable mid-century dining table, designed by the legendary Paul Evans for Directional in the 1970s. A true icon from the ...
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
$7,920Sale Price|28% Off
Cityscape Dining Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage burlwood top Paul Evans dining table with brass base. Large table top with no scratches on it. Base has nice detail and t...
Wood
Cityscape Dining Table, Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Los angeles, CA
Cityscape Dining Table, Paul Evans Material: Mahogany burl veneer, Chrome-plated Steel, Glass
Steel
Paul Evans Bow-Tie Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Savannah, GA
Bow-tie dining table from the Sculptured Metal series made for Directional in 1970. A variation of this design is published in Paul Evans: Designer and Sculptor, Head, pg. 79. weld...
Steel
$7,000Sale Price|30% Off
Signed Paul Evans Octagonal Cityscape Pedestal Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Paul Evans octagonal cityscape pedestal dining table Table is showing reflection from floor.
Metal
Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table, Larger base with lacquered wood and brass cladding over wood. 3/4" top measures 96" in length and 47.50" in depth Seats 10 to 12
Brass
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Paul Evans Iconic Cityscape Dining Table, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in North Canton, OH
Iconic Paul Evans Burled Patchwork and Chrome Dining Table from his Cityscape Collection. Signed. Two leaves. Condition Disclosure: Please understand nearly all of our inventory is ...
Chrome
Cityscape Dining Table Base Only by Paul Evans Published Model
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unusual table as part of the cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Constructed with chrome plated cubes and lacquered surface and it is currently shown with a 42 by 84 glass top and functions as a dining table. However, it is in a very versatile size to accommodate glass tops of a wide range of sizes and shapes so it can also functions as a striking center table, or a console table. Table base only...
Chrome
Magnificent Signed Paul Evans Burled Wood and Chrome Cityscape Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent signed Paul Evans burled olive wood and chrome cityscape dining table with three 22" W leaves. Big and bold patches of olive wood contras...
Chrome
'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).
Metal