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.
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...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Mirror Cocktail/Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Cityscape Mirrored Coffee/Cocktail Table Base Wear Consistent with age & Use Signed As Shown In Photos 1970s
Mirror
Paul Evans Cityscape Burl Patchwork Coffee Table, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Evans design Cityscape burl wood patchwork coffee table, signed. Rare and impressive coffee table that has a warm burl wood top with an urban cityscape inspired chrome base. Lar...
Chrome
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...
Brass, Chrome
$6,000Sale Price|25% Off
Cityscape Coffee Table Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large brass patchwork cityscape coffee table in contrast with a rather unusual Brazilian rosewood top. A very generous size with striking visual impact. This is a custom pieces executed circa 1975 by Paul Evans for Directional.
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome and Stainless Steel Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome and Stainless Steel Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 15 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our photos...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome and Stainless Steel Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Chrome and Stainless Steel Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 15 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our photos...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Rare Model Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cityscape multifaceted coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional Inc, circa 1970s. A rarely seen model with square block construction in brass ad bu...
Brass
Chrome and Glass Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’spolish chrome and glass coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional. Constructed of wood covered with sheets of polish chrome and brushed on the topsides. The top has been pr...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Modern Cantilever Floating Gold Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dayton, OH
An intriguing Mid Century Modern Floating Cocktail Table by 'Paul Evans'. Part of the Cityscape Collection, Circa 1970. The coffee table is made from Polished/Brushed Metal & G...
Metal
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the 1970s, the cityscape line brought the innovation and class highly sought after by top patrons to the masses with a mass-production run by Directional. There ...
Chrome
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...
Metal
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Paul Evans "L" Shaped Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning "L" shaped cityscape design signed by Paul Evans. This elegant vintage modern coffee table boasts two-tone chrome patchwork and a floating top on one side. An impressive w...
Chrome
Stunning Paul Evans Cityscape Brass Chrome Patchwork Coffee Table Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Paul Evans for Directional brass and chromed steel coffee table consisting of two sculptural bases supporting an over sized glass top. This particular table is not signed bu...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Rare Paul Evans Gunmetal Cityscape End or Coffee Tables on Castors
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare gunmetal cityscape pattern. These come with slate tops that are removable. They are inserted and rest on top of the lip and a center peg. Both tables are on rolling castors. Mos...
Metal
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-31' patchwork copper table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in circa 1967. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, bronze, and pewter which have been welded and nailed in a patchwork style pattern resting on top of a patinated steel plinth base with casters. Works fantastic as a coffee or cocktail table, or as a large end or side table. The table sits on top of casters which makes it easy to move around and relocate. The top has been fitted with slate. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any connoisseur's collection or high-end interior designer project. We have the matching PE-32 bar cabinet and PE-17 floating wall console with PE-18 mirror (all with Patchwork Copper) if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, Artisan, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans PE-11 Sculptured Metal Cocktail Table for Directional Furniture
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Stamford, CT
The featured PE-11 Angle Zig-Zag motif cocktail table, part of the Sculptured Metal collection, is a striking composition of steel and bronze. Its expressive weldwork, rich oxidation...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
The work of Paul Evans is characterized by its seamless joining of art with functionality, the designers craftsmanship and his bold aesthetic. No where is this more evident than in t...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
$6,700Sale Price|21% Off
Paul Evans Patchwork Steel Coffee Table for Directional, Signed & Dated 1978
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1978, signed and dated PE 78. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of painted steel which have be...
Steel
Paul Evans PE 131 Coffee Table, 1973
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
The PE-131 coffee table, designed by Paul Evans, is an impressive piece within the line he created for Directional Furniture. It belongs to the popular bronze series PE100-200, intro...
Bronze
Paul Evans American Mid-Century Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Forney, TX
Paul Evans (1931-1987) American Brutalist industrial modern welded steel, copper, mixed metals patchwork coffee table with rivet accents and i...
Slate, Metal, Copper, Steel
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
$3,200
H 19 in W 54 in D 25 in
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Modern Cantilever Floating Gold Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dayton, OH
An intriguing Mid Century Modern Floating Cocktail Table by 'Paul Evans'. Part of the Cityscape Collection, Circa 1970. The coffee table is made from Polished/Brushed Metal & G...
Metal
$4,995
H 15.5 in W 42.5 in D 42.5 in
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
$6,400
H 15.5 in W 42 in D 42 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Patchwork of Metals Slate Top Coffee Table c. 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Silver golden and copper hues glow throughout this Paul Evans coffee table in a patchwork of hammered metals. Artful celebration of metals represented in brass iron steel and bronze ...
Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987) Brutalist mixed metal patchwork coffee table with original slate top, circa 1970. 42 inches wide and deep by 16 ½ ...
Slate, Copper
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.
Chrome
Paul Evans American Mid-Century Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Forney, TX
Paul Evans (1931-1987) American Brutalist industrial modern welded steel, copper, mixed metals patchwork coffee table with rivet accents and i...
Slate, Metal, Copper, Steel
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72. Bronzed Resin Over Steel. This piece is located at our Pasadena, California location. Dimensions: Including The Glass: 41.75" Dia...
Bronze
Paul Evans Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Paul Evans coffee table signed and dated Measure: Base is 24" round.
Metal
$5,144Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.5 in W 59.5 in D 24 in
Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Glass and Resin Coffee Table signed PE70
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Brutalist coffee table designed by Paul Evans for Directional, signed PE 70 ( model 132 ). The table features a zig zag form base constructed of tinted sculpted resin ov...
Glass, Epoxy Resin
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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...
Brass, Chrome
$11,869
H 16 in W 36 in D 36 in
Paul Evans Signed Vintage Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Cocktail Table Glass Top
By Paul Evans
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful signed sculpted Paul Evans cocktail table from 1976 looks like molten castle drippings of bronze of varying heights in brutalist and crown forms. It is called the stalagmite table...
Bronze
Paul Evans Cityscape Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Paul Evans Cityscape cocktail table with patchwork chrome and wood base, and glass top.
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass and chrome patchwork coffee table. Designed by Paul Evans for his Cityscape line.
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern Paul Evans Cityscape coffee table featuring a chrome-plated base and thick glass top. Please confirm item location ...
Glass
Paul Evans Cityscape Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
An original Paul Evans Cityscape cocktail table having 3/4” thick tempered glass top. In fabulous original condition. The chromed and brassed steel is clean and scratch free. The gla...
Steel
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table, American, circa 1960s. This table retains it's original distressed patina. It's not for everyone, ...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans coffee table features his iconic Cityscape design with patchwork chrome and brass finish. Thick glass tops a stylish four piece base and ma...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful chrome and brass coffee table is part of the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. The table is in very good condition, with appropriate wear consistent with...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut burl patchwork coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional. Square with rounded corners and chrome base.
Paul Evans Cityscape End Tables
By Paul Evans
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of burled maple patchwork end tables by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, each with “An Original Paul Evans” medallion.
Maple
Paul Evans Cityscape Coffee Table, 1970
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape coffee table, 1970. Restored.
Chrome
"Cityscape" Coffee Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
" Cityscape " Coffee Table by Paul Evans. This piece is signed.
Chrome
Paul Evans Chrome Cityscape Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Polished chrome patchwork coffee table designed by Paul Evans for directional, from the cityscape line. Fully restored. Polished top with new chrome panels on base.
Chrome