Rare Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio 'PE43' Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze

Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, cabinet, model 'PE43', epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, plywood wrapped in leather, enameled steel, United States, 1970

This rare sideboard is designed by Paul Evans and made in his own studio in Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1970. This piece exemplifies Evans’s idiosyncratic way with constructing and metalworking. Evans departed from the traditional values of the designer-craftsman, which prioritize respect for materials and functional simplicity. Instead, he showed a keen interest in manipulating materials and creating artificial aging effects. However, he maintained a strong belief in the importance of the craftsman's expertise and ingenuity as the foundation for innovation and replication. The emphasis on surface treatment became the defining characteristic of his furniture designs. As Evans articulates the essence of his oeuvre, handmade product should bear the mark of the hand. Mere good lines are insufficient, as those can be industrially produced. Furniture ought to embody detail and richness. Evans employed the technique of Sculpted Bronze to create the distinctive forms evident in this cabinet. The appearance is reminiscent of stalagmite known for its rugged and jagged texture. This approach to metalworking allowed for the intricate sculpting and shaping of bronze, resulting in the unique aesthetic qualities of Evans' design. The base is assembled from steel sheets, skillfully welded together and artfully enameled. Welding involves joining two metal pieces by heating them to their melting points, causing bonding at the joint face and the formation of a welding seam. This process utilizes heat and/or pressure, with the option of adding metal as needed. The interior features shelves wrapped in black leather and an additional drawer.

The bronze series was introduced by Evans in 1964 at Directional, with production being a blend of traditional craftsmanship, spontaneous artistry, and experimental technology. To create the pieces, Dorsey Reading fashioned a plywood base shape which was then coated with epoxy and sprayed with bronze using a technique adapted from shipbuilding. In certain instances, Evans and Reading added more bronze mixed with epoxy and sandblasted it onto a frame using sterilized play-box sand. Alternatively, fragments of steel "rock," hammered leftovers from the previous day, were affixed to the epoxy for a sculptural effect. Evans' PE100-200 Bronze series ultimately became Directional's most enduring and best-selling collection.

The piece is signed with "PE 70" to underside.

Paul Evans (1931-1987) was among one of the most important American Studio Craft Movement members. Together with artists such as Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima, he helped to make the Philadelphia region a prominent center for the Studio Craft in the late 1960s. Born in Newton, Pennsylvania, Evans studied at a few different institutions such as the Philadelphia Textile Institute, the Rochester Institute of Technology, School for American Craftsman, and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Eventually, he was drawn to New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 1955 where he collaborated and shared a showroom with Phillip Lloyd Powell until 1966. Powell’s woodwork and Evans' metal craftsmanship combined into a creative partnership. During this period, he started to create furniture with metal and sculpture by which he manipulated materials to achieve expressive surface effects. In 1964, Evans started working for the Directional Furniture company where he pursued a new phase of his career. Directional offered him new opportunities for selling his work throughout the US and he continuously introduced new lines. However, his line proved to be too expensive and by the end of the seventies, he ended his relationship with the company. It was also throughout the seventies that Evans started to replace these crusty, textured surfaced, that were patinated with paint and acid, with dazzling, reflective metal surfaces that were sometimes mixed with woods. Evans’ oeuvre has an impressive size especially when regarding all pieces were handmade. On March 6, 1987, the artist shut down his business and, unfortunately, died the next day due to a heart attack.

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