Pennsylvanian Paul Evans studied sculpture and silversmithing at several institutions, including the Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 1951, while working as an artist in residence as a silversmith at the working history museum Sturbridge Village near Springfield, Massachusetts, Evans frequented artisan Phillip Lloyd Powell’s shop in New Hope, PA and asked Powell if he could put a few of his own pieces on display. In 1956 Evans moved permanently to New Hope and his acquaintance with Powell turned into a business and creative partnership.
In the late 1950s Evans began making copper chests with decorative doors, followed by sculpted steel-front cabinets that revealed Evans' unique way with welding. Evans and Powell had big break when they had a two-man show in 1961 at America House, an exhibition held at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York, now named the Museum of Arts & Design. In 1964 Evans became the designer for furniture manufacturer Directional. With Directional, Paul Evans introduced his highly collectible editions such as the Argente series, Sculpted Bronze series, and the very popular Cityscape series.
Most Evans pieces were signed, and all of the custom items have a signature and a date. Paul Evans took a unique approach to furniture making, a combination of handcraft wedded to technology that anticipated the limited edition art furniture of today, such as the work of Ron Arad. More particularly, the artist’s relationship with Directional set a unique standard for creative manufacture by insisting every piece is made by hand, finished by hand, supervised by the artist at each step of production, one piece at a time.
65 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 673-0531
Fax: (212) 677-6068
info@merrillantiques.com
item name :
Very Rare Pole Lamp by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Technique > Gold-Leaf, Technique > Gilded
item description :
Paul Evans
Very Rare Pole Lamp
USA, c. 1965
Very Rare pole lamp by Paul Evans, circa 1965. Only a dozen of these lamps were ever produced due to the challenge of welding three sides. It is the only lamp with the cross bar structure. Both the vertical and horizontal pieces are constructed of cut, welded, patinated and gilt steel.
Crown of Thorns low table by Paul Evans. Unusual execution of Evans sculpted steel crown of thorns table rendered as a coffee table. Welded, oxidized steel with gilt decorations support original 3/4 inch glass top.
16.5 H42 Diam.
Excellent original condition
price :
SOLD
item name :
Sculpted Steel Dining Table signed Paul Evans 68
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
item description :
Sculpted Steel Dining Table signed Paul Evans 68
USA 1968
An early 1968 signed Paul Evans table or desk with glass top. The two large crescent-shaped bases are of patchwork polychromed welded steel with red, gold and blue-green patina and brazed brass decoration. Welded and brazed motifs are stars, swirls and geometric patterns as well as a large welded signature PE 1968. The decoration is random, asymmetric and artfully applied. Original oval glass top.
An early, signed Paul Evans cantilever low table that features a rare satin-bronze finish in combination with a mirror-chrome finish in an L-shape form. Signed “An Original Paul Evans”.
Double Pedestal Cityscape Dining Table by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1970's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Glass
item description :
Double Pedestal Cityscape Dining Table by Paul Evans
USA, 1970s
A Double Pedestal Cityscape Dining Table. Each pedestal is an L-shape form with mirror polished chrome and satin chrome finish in Evans’ iconic patchwork design and a thick rectangular glass top. Signed “An Original Paul Evans”.
Metal and Wood Screen by Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell
designers :
Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell
Era :
Circa 1950's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Wood, Technique > Gilded
item description :
Metal and Wood Screen by Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell
USA, c. 1950
A Metal and wood screen by Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell, c. 1950.The screen comprises three panels, each with Evans’s signature fish-scale motif in metal with silver and gold leaf within in a simple walnut frame that has a striated, slightly speckled cream finish.
Excellent Original Condition
TMF1117
95.25H X 14.5W (each panel) 43.5 W (overall) X 2.25D
Metal > Aluminum, Technique > Painted, Technique > Hand Painted, Technique > Enamel
item description :
Custom King Sized Canopy Bed by Paul Evans
This King-sized canopy bed, nearly 8 feet (or 2.3 m) tall, is a paradigm from the Argente series and is the only one of its kind. It uniquely showcases the Argente motif with the bed’s structure perfectly displaying the vertical and horizontal welded waves of polished and matte black aluminum. A concealed inner rail accommodates a curtain and a recessed ledge on top was designed to support a fabric canopy or mirrored ceiling to the bed. The Argente pieces were sold and
marketed by Directional, a noted furniture showroom. They were advertised at the time as “art furniture” in magazines such as the New Yorker, but each piece was made by hand, one at a time, in Evans’ studio. The motif was labor intensive and welded aluminum is very difficult to work with, consequently few pieces were made. Nevertheless Evans created custom-made Argente pieces and such examples are characterized by generous, almost defiant, proportions. In the context of Evans’ body of work, Argente is less three-dimensional and more attuned with painted canvas but on welded metal.
Sculpted Bronze Disc Bar by Paul Evans
The disc bar is one of the most highly sought-after works from Paul Evans’ oeuvre as less than 200 were ever produced. It is a convergence of artistry and functionality and an early paradigm of art furniture. The facade is composed of two semi-circular wooden panels, covered in epoxy and then using a spray-on technique adapted from shipbuilding the molten bronze was applied. Evans would experiment with the technique, sandblasting or applying rocks to the epoxy base to produce a more sculpted relief affect. While it was still cooling Evans would sculpt the concentric design motif. Observers have linked the design to ancient Aztec sun dials, as this piece exemplifies. The interior was designed for bar storage and includes several compartments such as a utensil drawer and a locked cabinet similarly covered in sculpted bronze. Wall mounted and with a diameter of 6 feet (or 1.8 m) this piece has a powerful sculptural presence. Signed PE 72.
Rare, custom Argente cabinets by Paul Evans. Each with inset slate top and black laminated interiors. One with five drawers and fitted with shelf pegs for adjustable shelves, the other with three drawers.
A rare Sculpture Front Console signed Paul Evans, 1977. This console has four unique massive welded steel doors – boldly decorated with Evans signature abstract sculptural elements. Sculptural elements accented with gold leaf, polychrome in yellows, reds, blues and various patinated finishes to the steel with highly unusual orange polychrome. This console has a very rare finished back – This console can float in a room. Single slab of one inch thick, eight foot long cleft Pennsylvanian slate top. Interior in original red striated lacquer. Right side fitted original, suededadjustable shelves, left with one sueded adjustable shelf and a felted, divided drawer. Interior of doors of faceted welded steel decorated in red polychrome. Mounted on a welded steel base. Signed Paul Evans 1977. Sold with original bill of sale with sketching of the console.
End table in Argente technique by Paul Evans. Argente tabletop mounted on four aluminum legs. This table was created by using a door from an existing piece, which Evans did occasionally.
Walnut burl and chrome Cityscape credenza by Paul Evans. Chocolate brown lacquered top and base. Four finger jointed doors. Divided case, right side fitted with an adjustable shelf.
Excellent original condition
32 H76 W21 D
TMF1069
item # :
TMF1069
price :
SOLD
item name :
Sculpted Steel Console signed Paul Evans 68
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
item description :
Sculpted Steel Console signed Paul Evans 68
USA 1968
Exceptional Sculpted Steel console by Paul Evans. Geometric design console in steel with brass and bronze and polychrome decoration. One of the most richly colored and saturated examples we’ve seen. Bi-fold doors open to reveal four drawers finished in dark patinated steel with nail head decoration on the left, an adjustable shelf on the right. Striated red lacquer on the interior. Inset slate top. Model PE-40A -Signed, “Paul Evans 68”
Sculpted Steel Wall Mount Cabinet signed Paul Evans 68
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
item description :
Sculpted Steel Wall Mount Cabinet signed Paul Evans 68
USA 1968
Sculpted Steel wall mounted cabinet by Paul Evans. Made as a companion piece to the console TMF1085. Exterior shows same exuberant decoration of welded steel highlighted in polychrome and brazed brass decoration. Interior finished with red striated lacquer and an adjustable shelf. PE-39, signed “Paul Evans 68”
Sculpted Bronze bench by Paul Evans. Fantastic single bench newly upholstered in ivory leather. Perfect for the foot of a bed or as a stool for a vanity. PE-112 signed “PE 68”
Excellent original condition
18 H24 L 20 D
item # :
TMF1082
price :
SOLD
item name :
Sculpture Front Console signed Paul Evans 68
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Finish > Patina, Stone > Slate
item description :
Sculpture Front Console signed Paul Evans
USA 1968
A rare Sculpture Front Console signed Paul Evans, 1968. An excellent studio piece, this console has four unique massive welded steel doors – boldly decorated with Evans signature abstract sculptural elements. Sculptural elements accented with gold leaf, polychrome in yellows, reds, blues and various patinated finishes to the steel. Single slab of one inch thick, eight foot long cleft Pennsylvanian slate top. Interior in original red striated lacquer. Right side fitted with an original, felt lined adjustable shelf. Interior of doors of faceted welded steel decorated in red polychrome. Mounted on a welded steel base. Signed Paul Evans 1968.
Set of Fourteen Cityscape Dining Chairs by Paul Evans
USA c. 1970
Great set of eight patchwork chrome Cityscape dining chairs by Paul Evans. Fourteen side chairs, upholstered in original fabric. Chairs glide effortlessly on casters. Model PE240. Marked with manufacturers tag, “Paul Evans, Inc.” Will divide set.
Excellent original condition
33” h x 21”w x 25”d each
item # :
TMF803
price :
SOLD
item name :
Pair of Armchairs by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal
item description :
Pair of Armchairs by Paul Evans USA Circa 1960’s Paul Evans applied his “Sculpted Bronze” motif to a carefully selected number of pieces during the late 1960’s. These confident armchairs are otherworldly and elegant and are a true synthesis of functionalism and sculpture. Upholstered with shimmering cotton velvet. 36H 19.5W 22D each Excellent original condition
Very rare welded steel stool by Paul Evans. Early welded steel example by Paul Evans, rare swivel stool with curved back, fewer than 6 known examples ever produced. Wooden seat.
Rare and Important Steel Sculpture by Paul Evans USA 1964 A rare and unique steel sculpture by Paul Evans. Patchwork steel sculpture with applied polychrome finish. Made for his friend and studio partner Phil Powell. Mounted on a wooden base. Signed “Paul Evans 64” Excellent original condition 84”H 67”W 18”D
A pair of brass rectilinear table lamps by Paul Evans for Directional.Each lamp has a ‘T’ form with a vertical base that punctures through a horizontal plane.Both have the shiny brass patchwork design of Evans’ iconic Cityscape series.
Walnut and Chrome Wall Mount Console by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1970's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Wood > Walnut, Finish > Chrome
item description :
Walnut burl and chrome patchwork wall mounted console by Paul Evans, c. 1970. Four finger jointed doors conceal two adjustable shelves. Brown lacquered resin top, black laminate interior.
Game table in patchwork burl and brass by Paul Evans, c.1970. Exceptional patchwork walnut burl and olive ash burl with a reversible game board inlayed with brass. Board reverses to black laminate surface.
Very good original condition.
30"H x 32"L x 32"D
item # :
TMF846
price :
$7,500.00
item name :
Sculpted Bronze Dining Table by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1970's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Bronze, Finish > Patina
item description :
Glass topped sculpted bronze dining table by Paul Evans, 1971. Magnificent, heavily sculpted base composed of intersecting planes reminiscent of a skyline. Base shows exquisite green gold patina. Original three quarter inch glass. Signed by both Paul Evans and Tom Phillips, one of Evans artisans. Signed, "PE 71 TP" Set of eight chairs also available.
Excellent original condition
29.5"H x 92"L x 48"D Overall
28"H x 64"L x 27.5D Base
item # :
TMF853
price :
SOLD
item name :
Sculpted Bronze Wall Unit signed Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Glass, Metal > Bronze
item description :
Sculpted bronze wall unit by Paul Evans model PE-118, 1969. Three pilasters mounted with welded steel brackets support original bronze tinted plate glass shelves. Signed "PE 69"
Excellent original condition.
78"H x 96"L x 17.5"D
item # :
TMF798
price :
SOLD
item name :
Wall Mounted Cabinet by Phil Powell and Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell
Era :
Circa 1950's, Circa Late 20th Century
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Wood > Walnut
item description :
Fantastic case piece from an early collaboration between Phil Powell and Paul Evans, c.1955 / 2005. Designed in 1955, utilizing Paul Evans' gilded, braised, oxidized steel screens made in 1955, this was executed by Powell at a later date. Impeccable craftsmanship, made from solid, inch thick English Walnut Burl stock. Pegged case with two adjustable carved shelves. Original oiled finish
Sculpted Bronze wall mounted console signed Paul Evans, 1969 (signature reads PE 69). Two deeply sculpted bi-fold doors embellished with Evan's trade mark whorls and starbursts. Two piece slate top. Interior lacquered black with two fully adjustable shelves covered in original synthetic leather.
Excellent original condition.
22.5"H x 72"L x 20"D
item # :
TMF647
price :
SOLD
item name :
Sculptural Steel Lamp by Paul Evans
designers :
Paul Evans
Era :
Circa 1950's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Metal > Steel, Finish > Patina
item description :
A fantastic example of an early sculpted steel lamp by Paul Evans.
The square base formed from alternating sections of gold and bronze patinated steel, the bronze pierced with a spirited zig-zag pattern. The banded stem in rings of welded and patinated steel. Original grass cloth shade.
