Paul Evans PE-11 Angle Zig Zag Cocktail Table for Directional

The Mid-Century Modern design movement is known for many firsts brought to us by a wave of influential designers. Their work sought out to simplify the cluttered aesthetic they inherited from previous generations by utilizing cutting edge materials and production on a mass scale. Within this group of talent is an icon who approached the field as an artist-sculptor, Paul Evans’ contributions to Mid-Century Modern design are immediately recognizable, with great reason.

Evans was sculptor, silversmith, and craftsman. His understanding of materials was a momentous influence throughout his career, which we now know to be both vast and incredibly diverse. His work for Directional Furniture is perhaps what propelled Evans to design stardom. His work for Directional began in the 1950’s with a select number of pieces. After much success with the company, as well as an exhibition at the Museum of American Crafts in 1961, Evans became the Directional furniture designer where he would develop notable lines such as his Cityscape Series.

The shown PE-11 Angle Zig-Zag motif cocktail table is from his Sculptured Metal collection. An assemblage of steel and bronze with artful welds and gorgeous oxidation and patina elevates this collection from design to art. The original piece of 3/4” thick glass is intact with no chips whatsoever. Each of the levelers have also been retained allowing for this piece to be installed with ease. This PE-11 Cocktail Table is an excellent example of preserved Paul Evans design, his sculptor’s approach to design is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of furniture.