Phillip Lloyd Powell was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1919 and studied engineering at the Drexel University of Technology; but after World War II he moved to New Hope, PA and started refurbishing antiques and making furniture, while building his own house by hand.
Fond of travel and of people and with a knack for salesmanship, Powell opened a showroom in New Hope, PA. The store was a success and afforded Powell the chance to explore his furniture making. At a time when Scandinavian minimalism was popular, Powell opted for a more naturalistic approach, in which he let the contour of grain reveal itself and even dictate the shape and flow of the piece.
Around 1951 Paul Evans began frequenting the shop and in 1956 Evans moved permanently to New Hope and his acquaintance with Powell turned into a business and creative partnership. Their early work together was small in scale, such as the now-famed decorative screens with a loopy fish-scale pattern of welded iron.Their big break came in 1961, when Powell and Evans had a two-man show at the America House exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York, now named the Museum of Arts & Design.
Powell always followed more of the artist’s way, traveling for inspiration—even living in Spain for three years in the late seventies. Back in New Hope, Powell resumed working on intensely crafted wood pieces, sometimes more fantastical than functional. Phil Powell continued to work until his death at age 89.
65 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 673-0531
Fax: (212) 677-6068
info@merrillantiques.com
item name :
Unique Custom Chaise Lounge by Phillip Lloyd Powell
A unique custom chaise lounge by Phillip Lloyd Powell, c. 1960. This unique chaise has a wooden frame with turned feet and back supports finished in a colorful blend of burnt umber and fuchsia lacquer and silverleaf. The frame, back and pillow are upholstered in metallic silver leather, the seat cushion in purple ultra suede. A rope system adjusts the back for reclining. Powell typically drew his inspiration from his travels abroad; this piece is reminiscent of an Indian palace. Designed for the Berman’s of Allentown, PA and is signed on the frame Phillip Lloyd Powell Made for H. Berman Allentown, PA.
Wall Mounted Silver Leaf Console by Phillip Lloyd Powell
USA, c 1955
A Wall mounted silver leaf console by Phillip Lloyd Powell, c 1955.The console has a slate top, three drawers and is finished in silver leaf brick pattern over Robin’s egg blue.Each drawer comprises five removable wooden slats that make six compartments, with felt on the bottom of each drawer. The console is mounted on two hand-chipped oak supports.
Excellent Original condition
TMF1118
7H (console) (15.25H with supports) X 95.75W X 19.5D
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
Pair of Triangular Walnut Side Tables by Phillip Lloyd Powell
designers :
Phillip Lloyd Powell
Era :
Circa 1950's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Wood > Walnut, Stone > Slate
item description :
Pair of Triangular Walnut Side Tables by Phillip Lloyd Powell
USA, c. 1955
A Pair of triangular walnut side tables by Phillip Lloyd Powell, c. 1955. Each have an inset heavily lacquered slate top, the sides have vertically positioned boards that meet seamlessly at the corners but leave a slender gap at their juncture on the sides.The sides have a slight swell that is well proportioned to their diminutive size.
A Wall Hung Walnut Cabinet by Phillip Lloyd Powell, from the Dorsey Reading Collection
designers :
Phillip Lloyd Powell
Era :
Circa 1960's
Country of Origin :
USA
Materials :
Wood > Walnut
item description :
A Wall Hung Walnut Cabinet by Phillip Lloyd Powell, from the Dorsey Reading Collection
USA, 1966
A Wall hung walnut cabinet by Phillip Lloyd Powell, 1966.The cabinet comprises a dove tail case and four bi-fold doors, the interior is finished in a copper green stain. Dorsey Reading reportedly traded this cabinet from Powell for forty hours of work.
Chip carved occasional table by Phillip Lloyd Powell. Conical form table with unique rosewood top. Hand carved and gilt by Powell in a silver and gold checkerboard pattern over a red ground. Signed by Phil.
Serving Cabinet / Bar by Phillip Lloyd Powell USA c. 1960 With this grand towering cabinet Powell showcases many of his talents and signature finishing. He always honors the irregularities of the wood, in this case Walnut-one of his favorites, which results in sinuous lines and dramatic swirls. The interior and sides are painted in a silver leaf faux subway tile motif above a gentle aquatic green base. One of the largest domestically proportioned pieces from Powell’s oeuvre. 96H 48W 21.5D (244 H 122 W 56 D cm) Mint restored condition
Powell’s powerfully dramatic doors are a paradigm of his artistic expression and mastery of wood. Now in his late 80’s, these doors were inspired by ones found in the artist’s own home. Despite his lengthy and prolific career Powell has only created a handful of doors. These doors were the result of independent creative impulses rather than a directed commission. Powell always honors the integrity of the wood by emphasizing knots and natural irregularities. The doors are hand-chipped carved Pennsylvanian walnut with tiger figuring throughout and secured with cast iron nail heads. Powell remains an avid international traveler and incorporates found pieces into his creations. The striking Tibetan brass pulls are contrasted to sinister yet discreet Medusa head coins. The doors are suitable for either an interior or exterior setting. Powell’s signature gilding process with fiery red underlay frames the door, also found on the opposite side.
In the late fifties and into the sixties, Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans shared a studio and collaborated on many creations. This charming cabinet is an excellent example of the fruits of their labor. Evans is responsible for the iconic fish scale motif, in welded steel and gold leaf, on the cabinet’s gate. The delicate (optional) linen curtain is original and in excellent condition. Powell carved, stained and doweled the locally grown Walnut. The foldout doors reveal their classic red striated interior.
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
