Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
American
Look closely at any vintage furniture designed by father-son duo Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and a cacophony of stylistic influences reveals itself.
The LaVernes’ position at the intersection of art and design was the result of their combined backgrounds: Philip (1907–87) studied painting with Ashcan School artist John Sloan at the Art Students League of New York, while his son, Kelvin (b. 1937), attended the Parsons School of Design, taking classes in art history, furniture design and metalwork. The resulting merge of stylistic elements and innovative processes make for singular designs that defy categorization, striking a balance between modern and traditional, intricate and minimal, art piece and functional item. Their work was also strikingly different from the modern furniture created by Philip’s brother Erwine and his wife, Estelle, of Laverne Originals.
The LaVernes began producing one-of-a-kind furniture and sculpture in the mid-1950s out of a studio on Wooster Street in New York City before opening a showroom on Manhattan’s East 57th Street. As their 1960s advertisements declared: “It’s not just functional and not just art, it’s an investment.”
The LaVernes married a stunning array of techniques and styles to achieve their singular, deeply layered look for one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces. Chinoiserie motifs abound on many of their acid-etched tables, but art from ancient Greece and Egypt also served as inspiration. The influence of figurative sculptors is evident in designs like coffee tables and side tables with bronze bodies serving as frames or bases; other pieces, meanwhile, have deeply detailed surfaces and strikingly simple silhouettes.
The duo developed their own unconventional methods — sometimes to an extreme — for finishing their pieces: Techniques employed by the LaVernes included acid washing and burying furniture underground in a mixture of soil and chemicals to achieve a desired patina through oxidation. While they sometimes used pewter and silver, bronze was one of their most commonly employed materials, either etched or cast and sometimes paired with glass tops. Their partnership ended when Philip died in 1987 and Kelvin shifted his practice to sculpture.
Find an extraordinary range of vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Philip & Kelvin Laverne Iconic Pair of "Chinois Plaques", 1960s, 'Signed'
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Chinois Plaques", models 101 and 102, in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed). The delicately engraved scenes are exquisite.
Reference:
ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press...
Category
1960s American Chinoiserie Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
LaVerne “Creation of Man” Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Michelangelo’s “Creation of Man” or “Creation of Adam” etched and patinated brass coffee table designed and made by father and son duo Philip and Kelvin LaVerne in 1960’s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Brass
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Horses Plaque" with Enamel Cloisonne 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
"Horses Plaque" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-applied green, blue, yellow and red enamel cloisonne by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed “Kelvin Philip LaVerne” on front). The background and trim of this work are in patinated bronze. The gradation and tones of the enamel cloisonne horses are completely captivating.
Reference:
ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2024, this design is shown on page 91 in the section titled Historical Civilizations Series with the caption from the original LaVerne catalog, “Ming horses...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne Wall Plaque Bronze and Enamel- Titled Consoling
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Signed Philip & Kelvin LaVerne wall plaque. Titled Consoling. Dated 1962 and plaque is done in bronze and enamel Classified number 3010 on Seymour gallery label on verso.
Philip & K...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Rare Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Kuan Yin Console
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare form.
The acid-etched and enameled surface is in beautiful original condition.
Raised signature on the console top, paper label and care instructions attached to ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Fragonard Pierced" Coffee Table 1960s 'Signed'
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare “Fragonard Pierced” Coffee Table in patinated and pierced bronze and pewter, intricately cut with enamel cloisonne and gold and copper leaf with an inset glass top, by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, American 1960’s (signed “Philip Kelvin LaVerne”). These tables were cut by Kelvin's hand. This series always included Chinese figures with at least one animal. The delicate fretwork is a marvel. An inset glass top is part of the design.
Reference:
ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2024, this coffee table is shown on pages 85 in the section Historical Civilization Series. The caption reads, “The 1960s FRAGONARD PIERCED coffee table...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Pewter, Gold Leaf
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Rare Pair of End Tables with Wooden Bases 1950s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare and early “Shang Ti” tables in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant enamel cloisonne and Chinese style ebonized wood bases with red enamel by Philip & K...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Pair of Bronze Laverne Side Tables
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1960s cast and patinated bronze Laverne side tables with Asian motif and original patina.
Measurements:
Height: 17"
Depth: 19"
Width: 26"
Category
1960s American Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "The Untrammelled Mood of the Artist" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
"The Untrammeled Mood of the Artist at Work", a rare wall sculpture incorporating a motif with a nude artist and subject in solid bronze by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne 'Generation' Bronze Sculpture Table, c. 1964, Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This important and documented bronze sculpture table named "Generation" by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne was sculpted circa 1964 and a similar example was featured on the cover of “Phili...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Introspection" Pierced Bronze Painting 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Rare pierced bronze painting "Introspection" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant hand painted enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970's (Signed “Kelvin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Rare Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Generation" Sculpture Coffee Table c 1970
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rare Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Generation" Sculpture Coffee Table circa 1970 MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Brass
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Generation" Sculpture 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Rare and important sculpture "Generation" with cast bronze figures and table top in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, 1970’s ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Nude #1" Wall-Hanging Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
"Nude #1", a rare figural wall sculpture incorporating a female nude motif in solid bronze by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed on front “Philip Kelvin LaVerne”). The...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Extraordinary Midcentury Sculpted Bronze Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rarely seen cast bronze sculpted end table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne in all original very good condition. This table has a sculpted wraparound n...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Painting "Rhapsody #1" 1972 (Signed and Dated)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
"Rhapsody #1", a vibrant Abstract Expressionist painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne with hand-brazed sculptured frame by Philip & Kelvin LaVern...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Laverne Etched Bronze Wall Plaque "Tower of Babel"
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
LaVerne etched bronze wall plaque "Tower of Babel"
There is a dent on the bottom of left side which is not very noticeable when on the wall.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare and Important Cast Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
“Femme de Menage” aka “La Bonne”, a very rare and important large cast figural bronze sculpture attained via lost wax process, table in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne One-of-a-Kind "Pas De Trois" Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Important one-of-a-kind large hand-brazed sculpture "Pas De Trois" in patinated bronze with green patina by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (sign...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
'Generation' Bronze Sculpture Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, c. 1964 Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This important and documented bronze sculpture table named "Generation" by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne was sculpted circa 1964 and was featured on the cover of “Philip & Kelvin LaVerne: Sculpture III". Its large size allows this to be used as a coffee or cocktail table, console table or display table or can be simply displayed as sculptural fine art.
This pièce de résistance for collectors of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne is exceptionally rare and highly coveted. Within one single work of functional fine art the artists explored several different techniques the LaVernes were known to employ. Two heavy cast bronze figures, a boy holding a cat and the opposite side a girl, holding the table top which features a gorgeous torched bronze surface with inlaid colorful enamels, one bearing the LaVernes signature. Another acid washed bronze...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Nude #1" Wall-Hanging Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
"Study of Nude #1", a rare figural wall sculpture incorporating a femaile nude motif in solid pewter by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed with original gallery label o...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Unique Sculpture "The Runner" 1970s 'Signed'
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
One-of-a-kind sculpture, The Runner, in hand-brazed and textured bronze by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970's (signed "Philip + Kelvin LaVerne" on ba...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin Laverne Patinated Bronze Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Rectangular coffee table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne
Beautiful finish on the top surface
This table is rare because there is no image ontop
signed.
Category
1960s American Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Phillip and Kelvin Laverne Ming Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 'Ming' coffee table in patinated bronze and pewter with hand painted polychrome enamels by the iconic father & son duo Philip and Kelvin Laverne.
From the Laverne Catalog...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin Laverne Two Door Chinese Cabinet
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A diminutive chinoiserie cabinet consisting of acid-etched and enameled panels of brass and pewter.
Original painted interior.
Clean original surface
Signed
Category
1960s American Vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Furniture
Materials
Brass, Pewter
Philip And Kelvin Laverne furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne furniture 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 Philip and Kelvin LaVerne furniture, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Warren Platner, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Brown Saltman. Prices for Philip and Kelvin LaVerne furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,500 and can go as high as $225,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $19,500.
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