Paul Evans Armchairs
American, 1931-1987
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.
to
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
1
1
3
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
168
403
266
240
232
Creator: Paul Evans
Early Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Throne Chair, Signed and Dated, 1969
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as well as sharing a showroom with Phillip Lloyd Powell until 1964 when Evans met the owner of Directional Furniture and created a line of 6 coffee tables to go into the Directional High Point, NC booth for the spring Market. As the story has been recounted by Dorsey Reading, the tables never even made it to the showroom floor. Evans soon found out the tables never even had the opportunity to be sold; obviously disappointed, owner of Directional, BG agreed to put the tables out on the showroom floor in New York City to placate Paul Evans. What happened can probably best be compared today with "going viral."
The coffee tables started flying off the floor, and the orders came rolling in. This fervor led to Evans creating eventually over 800 designs with Directional-- with the very first series being the "Sculptured Metal" Collection which was publicized in 1968.
This piece specifically is a throne chair that also swivels. Upholstered in black leather, this throne chair is a wonderful example of Paul Evans Sculpted bronze technique, which involves hand sculpting using an epoxy resin and coating in an atomized cold cast bronze. This piece is signed and dated "PE 69" making it an early example of his goopy cast bronze series and line of furniture for Directional.
It's extremely important to note: Directional Furniture showrooms in New York City and Chicago were private to-the-trade only showrooms, so only interior designers and their clients were able to custom order these pieces through the showroom. There was never any "inventory" of furniture. Each and every piece was a custom, hand crafted work of art, created to order. No two of any piece were ever alike.
Evans eventually went on to employ a team of nearly 90 people, working two shifts-- helping to hand-craft his designs. This could easily explain why not every piece is hand signed, therefore making an early, had-signed pieces like this even more desirable for a collector.
This piece has a wonderful patina, with vibrant colors and while still brutalist in nature, it's a bit more subdued and could effortlessly be blended into any contemporary environment. We currently have this piece in the gallery paired with a Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa, and a Karl Springer goatskin...
Category
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Armchair
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculpted bronze armchair with original tufted leather by Paul Evans. Signed and dated.
Category
1970s Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Eight Paul Evans Studio Chrome Dining Armchairs 1973
By Paul Evans
Located in Camden, ME
Paul Evans Studio armchairs designed for a commission for the home of personal friends.
The upholstery is original as pictured in the last vintage photo.
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Related Items
Mid-Century Modern Signed Gunlocke Sculpted Walnut Armchair
By Gunlocke
Located in West Chester, PA
Genuine Gunlocke solid walnut chair with orange uphostery and sculpted arms. Signed with metal tag embedded into the back leg and all three paper labels.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Mahogany Dining Armchairs, Set of Eight
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight modern Regency style club chairs or dining armchairs
By Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture
USA, 1990s
Solid dark mahogany frames, with light yello...
Category
1990s American Modern Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 36.25 in W 25.13 in D 20.75 in
Set of Six Black and Chrome Cantilever Dining Armchairs
By Contemporary Shells Inc. 1
Located in Dallas, TX
Featured here is an amazing set of cantilevered chrome dining chairs armchairs by Contemporary Shells Inc. Contemporary Shell Inc. was based in Hempstead NY and produced works for ma...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
MCM Chrome & Wood Dining Armchairs Accent Chairs Set of 2
By Bernhardt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Set of 2 MCM solid chrome & wood dining armchairs accent chairs
Approximate Measurements in Inches
...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Rare African Solid Benin Bronze Ceremonial Throne Chair Multi Figure
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A Vintage Rare African Bronze Figurative Throne Chair, 20th Century.
This Vintage Benin Bronze Throne is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship, embodying the artistic and...
Category
Early 20th Century African Tribal Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
'LunaSedia' Sculpted Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The 'LunaSedia' expresses a flow of movement and modernist expression of two crescent shapes. The dimensions of the chair are perfectly and equally proportioned to offer a beautiful ...
Category
2010s North American Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Velvet
French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery
Antique condition. Show...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
Armchair Luigi Caccia Dominioni 1973 Modell TORO
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional, unique armchair made of faux fur was designed by Milanese architect and designer Luigi Caccia Dominioni (1913-2016).
He designed the Armchair Toro in 1973 for Azuce...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Faux Fur
Antique Oscar Bach Wrought Iron and Bronze Renaissance Revival Throne Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Oscar Bach Wrought Iron and Bronze Renaissance Revival Throne Arm Chair. Item features a heavy hand hammered wrought iron frame with bronze accents, tall stately form, classi...
Category
19th Century Unknown Renaissance Antique Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Iron
H 54.75 in W 23.25 in D 17.25 in
Set of Eight English Regency Style Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous set of eight hand-crafted beech dining armchairs made in the grand English Regency taste. The chairs feature large molded frames with gracefully curved arms, back, and legs....
Category
20th Century American Regency Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Pair of Sculpted Armchairs by Paul Evans in Bronze
By Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
Discover the epitome of Mid-Century Brutalist design with this exceptional pair of sculpted armchairs crafted by the renowned Paul Evans circa 1969. These striking armchairs stand a...
Category
20th Century American Brutalist Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans Chrome and Suede Cityscape Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Lounge Chairs, 1970. Upholstery is blue suede all original. Patchwork is constructed of steel plate frames with contrast of polished chr...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs from the series PE-105/106, sculpted bronze, steel, fabric, United States, circa 1965
Stunning example of Paul Evans designs for Direct...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze, Steel
H 31.89 in W 22.05 in D 23.23 in
Paul Evans for Directional Club Chairs in Velvet, Pair
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs
By Paul Evans for Directional
USA, 1960s
Tufted gray velvet upholstery, with walnut legs and stretchers...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Set of Four Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Armchairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four Brutalist sculpted bronze armchairs by Paul Evans
Exceptional abstract form texture and powerful shapes
Retains original fabric
Mod...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Resin
Rare Sculpted Bronze Armchair by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare sculpted bronze armchair, by Paul Evans upholstered with pale blue velvet fabric, USA.
Category
1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Midcentury Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Patinated Paul Evans PE105 Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of highly collectable Paul Evans sculpted bronze armchairs. Epoxy with applied bronze over steel frame with upholstery.
All original chairs.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Bronze, Steel
H 32.5 in W 27.5 in L 32.5 in
Rare Pair of Reupholstered Armchairs in Burgundy Mohair by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, pair of armchairs, steel and upholstery, United States, 1960s
A rare pair of highly sculptural armchairs by Paul Evans. The base consists of a torch-cut, welded, poly...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Steel
H 25.99 in W 25.6 in D 20.08 in
Paul Evans Studio, Argente Swivel Armchair, New Hope 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
A rare Paul Evans steel armchair in Argente finish. Swivel base with wool upholstered interior.
Fine vintage condition.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Pair of Chrome Cityscape Armchairs by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pair of cityscape armchairs by Paul Evans in green leather and chrome base with rollers.
Category
1970s American Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Armchairs in Tesselated Brass and Chrome by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of upholstered arm chairs with frames in tessellated brass and chrome by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Cityscape Collection, American 19...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Chrome Cityscape Armchairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of Cityscape armchairs (model PE-241) with chrome patchwork bases by Paul Evans for Directional, ca. 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Evans Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul Evans armchairs 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 Paul Evans armchairs, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Paul Evans were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by George Nakashima, Brown Jordan, and Henredon. Prices for Paul Evans armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,000 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,000.