Paul Evans Set of Ten Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs in Aubergine Upholstery

 
Paul Evans for Directional, rare set of 10 dining chairs from the series PE-105/106, sculpted bronze, steel, fabric, United States, circa 1965, 
 
Stunning example of Paul Evans designs for Directional. The bronze series PE100-200 was the bestselling bronze series within Directional. Evans introduced the series in 1964 for which he used a mixture of craftsmanship and experimental technology. To achieve a stalagmite looking design, Evans used epoxy with applied bronze over a frame in steel. This technique resulted in brutalist designs with vivid surfaces. The dark frame combines beautifully with the bright, structured fabric.
 
Set includes two arm chairs which measure 31.75" H x 26.5" W x 24.25" D. And eight side chairs which measure 31.75" H x 21" W x 23.75" D. 
 
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 Evan’s 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.