Paul Evans PE400 Faceted Dining Table in Walnut Burl & Chrome Plated Steel 1970s

The Cityscape collection designed by Paul Evans was produced by Directional Furniture from 1970 until 1981. The collection drew inspiration from urban environments and architectural forms and endeavoring to create furniture that evoked a sense of place. It was a departure from past collections. Earlier works like those in the Welded and Patchwork collections, appeared more abstract and sculptural, emphasizing an industrial aesthetic characterized by the use of raw metal. By contrast, Cityscape was more refined and sophisticated with a focus on geometric and more orderly forms. The collection also utilized a more diverse set of finished materials, like brass, polished chrome, and walnut burl, abandoning raw, unfinished steel entirely.


The Faceted 400 pieces are notable among the Cityscape collection and favored among designers and collectors alike. They were also part of Evans’ broader vision of furniture as art. The faceted pieces challenged traditional furniture design and demonstrated that furniture could transcend it’s utilitarian purpose and become part of the artistic landscape. Faceted 400 series was the first to incorporate Walnut burl. The sleek, coolness of the chrome and the luxurious warmth of the burl veneer, created a sense of harmony and balance. The interplay of the finishes was nothing short of magic. So perfect a pairing, that the chrome and burl combination is the default depiction of the entire Cityscape collection despite its’ late entry in lines production.


The innovative design and ingenious workmanship utilized in making the facets was a testament to Evans’ mastery of his craft. Facets were made of high density foam injected into one of nine differently shaped fiberglass molds. Once solidified the lite weight but indestructible foam literally became a building block. Rearranging the order or changing the orientation of the blocks allowed for an endless array of configurations. Facets were laid out in sections and pre-fitted to ensure there were no gaps between them. Once adjusted, they were detached and numbered in order of place in the arrangement. Each piece was then clad in metal or veneered in burl before being fastened to the body of the piece it was made for.

Paul Evans’ work with Directional Furniture marked a significant contribution to furniture design. The Cityscape Collection’s, PE400 Faceted Dining Table is no exception and exemplary of Evans’ innovation, artistry and craftsmanship. Now availabel in our NYC Showroom.


Dimensions:

Base:

Length: 52 inches
Width: 21 inches
Height: 28 inches

Base with glass:
Length: 96 inches
Width: 48 inches
Height: 29 inches