Mid-Century Round Stalagmite Form Cocktail Table in Bronze Signed Paul Evans
Mid-Century Round Stalagmite Form Cocktail Table in Bronze Signed Paul Evans
This remarkable mid-century modernist cocktail table, designed by the acclaimed American artist Paul Evans circa 1970, features a distinctive round stalagmite form crafted in bronze. Known for his innovative approaches to metalwork and furniture design, Evans' signature style is evident in the table's textured, sculptural base that resembles natural stalagmites, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
The combination of the organic-inspired form with the lustrous bronze finish embodies the bold, avant-garde aesthetic of mid-century modernism. As both a functional piece and a statement of exceptional artistry, this cocktail table will add a dramatic focal point to any interior space.
Paul Evans (1931-1987) was a pioneering American designer and sculptor renowned for his revolutionary contributions to the mid-century modern furniture movement, where he adeptly merged the boundaries of art and design with his innovative metalwork techniques. Best known for his daring use of materials such as bronze, pewter, and steel, Evans created iconic, handcrafted pieces that are celebrated for their sculptural forms and textural complexity, making each piece a unique work of art. His dynamic and influential designs, which continue to captivate collectors and design aficionados worldwide, underscored a bold, individualistic approach that championed creativity and craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the world of modern design.
Glass Top Will Be Fabricated to Suit Your Preferred Dimensions, included in the Price. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
American, C. 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 16 in (40.64 cm) x Diameter: 42 in (106.68 cm) - Diameter of Base: 28"
Creator: Paul Evans (Maker)
Design: Stalagmite Coffee Table
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Bronze, Glass
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793444065172
PAUL EVANS
Paul Evans (1931-1987) was an influential American furniture designer, sculptor, and artist, recognized for his unique contributions to the American Craft Movement of the 1970s and his association with the renowned manufacturer Directional Furniture. His Brutalist-inspired, sculpted metal furnishings set him apart in the world of design.
Lenny Kravitz, a collector of Evans' pieces, praised his work as "stunningly beautiful, stunningly ugly, stunningly tacky, [and] stunningly sophisticated."
Paul R. Evans II was born on May 20, 1931, in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He pursued his education at several institutions, including the Philadelphia Textile Institute (1950), Rochester Institute of Technology's School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, New York (1950), and Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (1952).
After settling in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Evans collaborated with woodworker Phillip Lloyd Powell. Despite financial constraints, they sourced wood from the reject pile of their neighbor, George Nakashima, a renowned woodworker and furniture designer.
In the 1950s, Evans began creating copper chests, later transitioning to sculpted steel-front cabinets. His significant breakthrough came in 1961 with a two-man show at America House, an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York, now the Museum of Arts & Design. In 1964, Evans became a featured designer for Directional Furniture, introducing several innovative furniture lines, such as the Argente series, Sculpted Bronze series, Sculptured and Painted Steel, Patchwork Copper, Pewter and Brass, and the popular Cityscape series. The New York Times noted that Evans "understood fashion, embraced youth culture, and built custom pieces for celebrities like ventriloquist Shari Lewis and singer Roy Orbison."
Evans' pieces were often signed and dated, reflecting his commitment to craftsmanship and technology. His relationship with Directional Furniture established a unique standard for creative manufacturing, ensuring every piece was handmade, finished by hand, and supervised by Evans himself at each production step.
On March 6, 1987, Evans closed his business and drove to his vacation home on Nantucket. He passed away the next morning from a heart attack at the age of 55.
In the 21st century, Evans' work gained significant acclaim, becoming highly collectible. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Lenny Kravitz, and Tommy Hilfiger are among avid collectors of his pieces. Evans' cabinets and credenzas have fetched over $250,000 at auctions, and in 2017, an Evans cabinet sold for $382,000. The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, hosted a retrospective of Evans' work in 2014, further solidifying his legacy in the design world.
Evans' combination of handcrafted artistry and innovative design techniques continues to influence modern furniture design, making his work a celebrated part of American art history.
