{"product_id":"paul-evans-for-directional-rare-cityscape-or-steel-hinged-sideboard-in-chrome","title":"Paul Evans for Directional Rare 'Cityscape' or 'Steel Hinged' Sideboard in Chrome","description":"Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 'Cityscape' or 'Steel Hinged' cabinet, mirrored glass, chrome-plated steel, lacquered High Pressure Laminate, United States, 1970s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 'Steel Hinged' sideboard, designed by Paul Evans for Directional as part of the Cityscape series, exemplifies the designer’s exploration of materiality, modular construction, and surface articulation. Produced in Evans’s studio, the piece reflects a synthesis of artisanal craftsmanship and industrial aesthetics that characterizes his work of the late twentieth century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cityscape series is widely regarded as one of Evans’s most accomplished bodies of work, distinguished by its use of geometric repetition and a sophisticated juxtaposition of reflective and matte surfaces. In this example, the cabinet’s defining feature lies in its articulated façade, composed of interlocking, brick-bond steel elements. This system of stepped interlocks operates both structurally and visually, generating a rhythmic, tessellated surface. The interlocking pattern is periodically interrupted by planar black panels, which function as visual counterpoints, reinforcing the composition’s graphic clarity and contributing to its sculptural presence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cabinet is elevated on a chromed platform, which introduces a reflective interface with its environment. This is further reinforced by the mirrored glass top, which extends the interplay of light and reflection across the upper surface. When illuminated, the cabinet’s surface shimmers and glows, evoking the glamour and reflective energy of the disco era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCityscape line \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe origin of Evans’ Cityscape series with its gleaming façades is based on the exploring of a material new to the Evans studio: chromed steel. The research and development for the series started in 1970 and took place over a six-month period. Before that, Evans had done a lot of preliminary examination by using a constructivist approach to design, which was, as art critic Glenn Adamson puts it, ‘based on the repetition and variation of geometrical modules, typically built from discrete metal plates, welded together and then embellished.’ As the handling of the material required a lot of technical competence and precision, Evans was faced with a great challenge during this period. Not only the visual characteristics of the material carries a sense of deluxe, but also Evans’ great craftsmanship and creativity give the potential that the Cityscape furniture could be considered as refined and exceptional. Evans himself described the series as ‘an elegant and unconventional statement, the ultimate in high fashion contemporary furniture.’.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough Evans had a background in metalwork, the Cityscape series seems equally relevant to the Art Deco period of the 1920s and ‘30s. Evans was among others strongly inspired by the Viennese Art Deco designer Paul Frankl (1886-1958) who is known for his designs that resemble the New York architectural skyscrapers. As the title “Cityscape” suggests, the mirrored surface of the sideboards graphically represents a skyline. Other shapes within the series were also present resulting in a more general sphere of urbanity. Another source of inspiration could be the compositions prevailing within black-and-white movies of the Art Deco era, which played a major in the stylistic features of the art movement. Hollywood set designers used the juxtaposition of different kind of materials – mirrors, chromed steel, high-polish lacquer and silver-gilt wood – that contained a mirrored, sheen, and reflective finish, as means of creating these surfaces of high-contrast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiography \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaul 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'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’s 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. \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Morentz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53394311610711,"sku":null,"price":33835.26,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0289\/5187\/1548\/files\/50118616_St_P_10.jpg?v=1777043309","url":"https:\/\/www.morentz.com\/en-gb\/products\/paul-evans-for-directional-rare-cityscape-or-steel-hinged-sideboard-in-chrome","provider":"Morentz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}