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.
Chan Side Table by Philip & Kelvin Laverne in Patinated Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Astoria, NY
Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988) and Kelvin LaVerne (American, b. 1936) "Chan" Series Side Table, signed near base, polychromed, engraved, and patinated bronze and pewter, elonga...
Bronze, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan Side Tables in Bronze and Pewter
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Astoria, NY
Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988) and Kelvin LaVerne (American, b. 1936) Pair of "Chan" Series Side Table, signed near base, polychromed, engraved, and patinated bronze and pewter...
Bronze, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare Lo-Ta Hexagonal Bronze Side Table, USA, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
The Lo-Ta Hexagonal Table, designed by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne in the 1960s, is a striking sculptural occasional table handcrafted in engraved and patinated bronze and pewter with ...
Pewter, Enamel, Bronze
Philip and Kelvin Laverne Side Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully patinated bronze side table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne.
Bronze
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"
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne “Lo-Ta” Side Table, Bronze and Pewter, Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Hexagonal Lo-Ta side table by Philip LaVerne and Kelvin LaVerne, executed in bronze and pewter with natural patination. The table retains its original hexagonal form and reflects the...
Bronze, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin Laverne Ming side table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Ming, low table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne in pewter and bronze circa 1960s . nicely patinated, and engraved with hand painted enamel in red and green… Signed PK Lav...
Bronze, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Side End Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Houston, TX
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne bronze side end table. Composed completely of patinated bronze, the top features an etched, chinoiserie figurative scene.
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century Modern, Tao Shelf, Tall Side Table, Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Stamford, CT
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century Modern, Tao Shelf, Tall Side Table, Bronze Rare and important signed example of an engraved and patinated bronze-clad wood 'Tao' side table by P...
Bronze
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Ming" Side Tables, Set of Two
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Bradenton, FL
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Ming" Side Tables, Set of Two. Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988), Kelvin LaVerne (American, 1937-2020). This father and son team created custom, limite...
Bronze, Enamel
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Etched Bronze, Rare Tao Side Tables, USA, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Stamford, CT
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century Modern, Rare 'Tao' Side or End Tables, Bronze, 1960s Rare and important pair of occasional tables designed and produced by Philip and Kelvin L...
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Custom Etruscan Caduceus occasional tables
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of custom Etruscan Caduceus occasional tables by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. These tables were commissioned by a prominent physician in the 1970's and they are one of a ...
Brass, Bronze, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin Laverne 'Madame Pompadour' Side Table in Bronze 1960s Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Dallas, TX
Unusual Philip and Kelvin LaVerne 'Madame Pompadour' occasional side table inspired by the original table of Marquise De Pompadour made in Cloisonne on bronze. This Acid-etched bronz...
Bronze
Pair of Acid Etched Bronze "Tao" Side Tables by Philip and Kelvin Laverne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare pair of acid etched bronze and pewter "Tao" diptych side tables by Philip and Kelvin Laverne .Signed "P. K. Laverne" USA: circa 1960
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin Laverne, Pair of Bronze Etruscan Side Tables after Picasso
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Pair of Bronze Patinated Etruscan Side Tables after Picasso by Philip & Kelvin Laverne. These tables are part of the Etruscan Series, each featuring three dynamic flang...
Bronze
Bronze and Pewter "Madame Pompadour" Side Table by Philip & Kelvin Laverne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare engraved and acid-etched, patinated and polychromed bronze, pewter and enamel "Madame Pompadour side table" by Philip & Kelvin Laverne Reference: "Sculpture II Bronze and Pewte...
Bronze
Pair of Midcentury Laverne Side Tables, Sold Individually
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1970's Laverne side tables with patinated finish. Priced and Sold individually. Measurements: Height: 17.25" Length/width: 18" square
Metal, Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Petite Side Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Chicago, IL
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne side table with abstract pattern, signed. Wear to top surface as shown. Patina. Metal is lifting off of wood in some areas. could possibly use some glui...
Brass
H 17.5 in Dm 47.75 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Troy Zodiac Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique 'Troy Zodiac' coffee table by the dynamic father/son duo of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. This example by the Lavernes is a very rare and important piece in their Oeuvre. It's ...
Bronze
H 30 in W 132.25 in D 47.375 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Rare and Important Dining Table, Bronze, USA, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Stamford, CT
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Rare and Important 'Xiang Shi' Dining Table, Bronze, USA, 1960s A very rare and important 'Xiang Shi' dining table designed and produced by Philip (1907-1...
Bronze
H 18 in Dm 47.25 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne “Chan” Coffee Table, Acid Etched Brass, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is an iconic Philip and Kelvin Laverne "Chan" coffee table made of acid etched brass over pewter over wood and patinated brass. The table features a substantial 47.25" round top...
Brass, Pewter
H 17 in W 70 in D 30 in
Philip Kelvin LaVerne "Chin Ying" Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Chin Ying" Coffee Table
Brass
H 17.25 in W 47.25 in D 23.25 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Mid-Century Chan Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Bradenton, FL
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Chan" Coffee Table, circa 1960. Philip and Kelvin LaVerne' were a father-son duo that was renowned for transforming metal furniture into narrative art. Thi...
Bronze
H 17.5 in Dm 47.75 in
1960 Philip And Kelvin Laverne Chan Circular Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960 Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chan Circular Coffee Table in good vintage condition. Tabletop has a beautiful patina with many color accents throughout. Some areas of verdigris are p...
Bronze, Enamel
H 16.5 in W 61 in D 32 in
Mid-Century 1965 Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan Coffee Table, Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful example of the Laverne Boucher coffee table from the 1960s Chan series from the iconic father/son duo, Philip and Kelvin Laverne. The table top's design is an homage to the...
Brass, Enamel, Pewter
H 17.5 in W 48 in D 24 in
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.
Bronze
H 17 in W 47.5 in D 35.5 in
Large Rectangular "Chan" Coffee Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning and impressively sized "Chan" coffee table designed by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, circa 1970s. Acid etched and patinated polychromed bronze and pewter. Table top decorated w...
Copper, Pewter
H 18.12 in W 28.15 in D 28.15 in
Pair of Side Tables by Lothar Klute, Bronze and Glass, Germany
By Lothar Klute
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Side Tables by Lothar Klute, Bronze and Glass, Germany
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Stunning "Etruscan Spiral" Coffee Table 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large “Etruscan Spiral” coffee table in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted enamels in pale blue and green on bronze bamboo legs by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, Am...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chinoiserie Chan Center Table, New York, circa 1960's
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Miami, FL
Philip and Kelvin Laverne chinoiserie "Chan" center table, gueridon New York, circa 1960's, Bronze, hand sculptured, inlaid with pewter, buried in earth to attain natural and subtle ...
Brass, Bronze, Pewter
H 19.5 in Dm 18 in
Philip and Kelvin Laverne "Shang Ti" Bronze Side Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly collectible bronze side table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne. The round table features their signature acid etched floral motif pattern on the tabletop with enamel cloisonne. Th...
Bronze, Enamel
H 16 in W 18 in D 10 in
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne "Lo-Ta Hexagonal Cube" Side Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in San Francisco, CA
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Side Table, Pewter, Lo-Ta Sculpture, Signed. Increasingly hard to find hexagonal Lo-Ta Series side table described in a 1970's Philip LaVerne Galle...
Bronze
H 16.25 in W 26 in D 19 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan Rectangular Side Table in Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Miami, FL
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Chan" Side Table. Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988), Kelvin LaVerne (American, 1937-2020). There is a second similar table available - see our listing...
Bronze
H 16.25 in W 26 in D 19 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan Rectangular Side Table in Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Miami, FL
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Chan" Side Table. Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988), Kelvin LaVerne (American, 1937-2020). There is a second similar table available - see our listing...
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Exceptional "Etruscan Spiral" Side Table 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautiful and rare "Etruscan Spiral" side table in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with sculptured base and hand-painted enamels in shades of green by Philip & Kelvin LaVern...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Rare "Shang Ti" Bronze Side Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, c. 1960s, USA
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking side table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, featuring a hand-etched and patinated bronze top with intricate chinoiserie motifs, including vases, foliage, and architectural el...
Bronze, Pewter
H 17.5 in Dm 23.5 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Chan" Side Table 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare "Chan" side table in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted enamels in green, blue, and orange with gold and copper leaf by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter, Gold Leaf
H 15.75 in W 10 in D 18 in
Pair of Chan Side Tables by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of hexagonal 'Chan' side tables designed by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne.
Bronze
H 20 in W 15 in D 12 in
Philip and Kelvin Laverne 'Yielding' Side Table / Stool
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and possibly unique work by Philip and Kelvin Laverne. Titled 'Yielding', this sculpted table sits on casters and is weighted so it can be used as a stool as well. Patinated ...
Bronze
H 16 in W 18 in D 18 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Kuan Su" Side Table with Floral Motif 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Superb "Kuan Su" side table in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with flower motif and hand-painted enamels in blue and orange by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (s...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Pair of "Shang Ti" Tables 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exquisite pair of "Shang Ti" side tables in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant enamel cloisonne in blue, green, and red on sculptured bronze bamboo bases by Philip...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
H 17 in W 20 in D 12 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Lo Ta Hexagonal Cube" Table 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Lo Ta Hexagonal Cube" table, with sides in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted colorful enamels in orange and blue and torched bronze effect top by P...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter