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

$25,000
£19,087.39
€22,055.31
CA$35,095.27
A$39,117.33
CHF 20,523.52
MX$477,686.40
NOK 259,872.41
SEK 245,618.96
DKK 164,608.37

About the Item

Some desks hold paper clips. Others hold power. This Paul Evans Cityscape Desk? It’s the power! Designed by the legendary Paul Evans in the 1970s, this monumental, sculptural masterpiece was born from a time when design wasn’t just about function—it was about making a statement. And make no mistake, this desk speaks volumes. This particular piece comes straight from a Getty family home office in Beverly Hills, so let’s just say—if desks could talk, this one would have some seriously juicy stories. The Gettys, as in THE Gettys, aren’t just another wealthy dynasty—they’re renowned art collectors, patrons of the Getty Museum, and tastemakers of the highest order. For a Paul Evans to be effortlessly flexing in their private collection? That’s about as bougie as it gets. (Provenance available upon request). Paul Evans was the rebel genius of American brutalist furniture, merging industrial materials with high design in a way that no one had done before. His Cityscape collection—debuted in the 1970s—was a radical departure from traditional furniture, celebrating the juxtaposition of sleek, geometric forms with rich, luxurious materials. The features? A patchwork burlwood top that has been expertly restored to showroom quality, showcasing intricate wood grain patterns that shift beautifully in the light. A brushed, gunmetal-toned steel base, which has developed a handsome patina over time with oxidation, knicks here and there and small dings and dents; definite wear consistent with age—think George Clooney’s wrinkles: distinguished, refined, and only adding to the allure. Three drawers for functionality: one in the center, plus a drawer on each side for all your secret documents (or, you know, extra phone chargers and receipts you’ll never organize). Paul Evans pieces aren’t just furniture—they’re investment-grade design. With collectors from the Gettys to the Gucci's, his work has skyrocketed in desirability, regularly commanding five and six figures at auction. Museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian have his work in their permanent collections, cementing his place in design history. The Fine Print (and Flexibility) While the burlwood top is one solid piece, the base comes apart into three sections—so if you notice a tiny gap in the base in photos, don’t panic. We didn’t fully bolt it together for the shoot. Want the base refinished or even chromed to a mirror finish by an expert restoration professional? We can do that too for a nominal fee. But honestly, why would you Botox Clooney’s wrinkles when they’re the best part? If you’re looking for a desk that does more than just sit there—one that commands attention, elevates your space, and has a rock-solid investment value—this is it. Paul Evans never played it safe, and neither should you.
  • Creator:
    Paul Evans (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 96 in (243.84 cm)Depth: 66 in (167.64 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    C. 1970's
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. The top of the desk has been expertly refinished. The bottom shows wear and patina throughout. Knicks, dings, and significant wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Culver City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1139243948912

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Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Cityscape Credenza, Directional, Signed, 1970s
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Looking for a coffee table that’s more than just furniture-- well this is a functional work of art. This Paul Evans original is a stunning example of mid-century artistry with a flair for the unconventional. Handcrafted from a mesmerizing patchwork of patinated copper, enameled steel, and pewter sheeting, this table brings together materials and textures in ways that no two tables are alike. And then there’s the slate top—thick, heavy, and sitting flush in its groove like it was meant to be there from the beginning of time. While there are other examples of this coffee table floating around the collector's universe, let me tell you: they’re not all created equal. Many show signs of over-polishing or even sanding, stripping away that rich, sought-after patina that true collectors drool over. But this example? It’s the gold standard. The patina has aged to perfection, offering a rich variety of tones, textures, and colors that dance across the surface. Every corner reveals a new surprise. Yes, the slate top has a few rough edges, but let’s be real—that only adds to its character. And the best part? The slate fits so perfectly into its base so snug you'd be hard pressed to squeeze a sheet of paper between them. Now, let’s talk about the man behind the magic—Paul Evans. Born in 1931 and passing away in 1987, Evans was a driving force in the American Craft Movement. He pushed the boundaries of furniture design, turning traditional techniques on their head and creating pieces that were part sculpture, part functional art. His use of metal, especially in his iconic Cityscape and Sculpted Bronze series, made him a trailblazer of mid-century modernism and brutalist design. Evans started his career working with metal in a tiny shop in New Hope, Pennsylvania with his pal Phillip Lloyd Powell—just down the road from fellow American Craft legends like George Nakashima. But Evans didn’t stop with wood and craft traditions. Instead, he worked with metal in ways no one else was doing, blending industrial and handmade aesthetics. Every piece was unique, handmade, and bursting with Evans' signature rough-hewn, heavily textured style. His work, especially these patchwork metal tables...
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