These days, in the early days of 2017, we are at the final stage of post-production work on the film Collecting Paul Evans, which will be number four in the series on collecting design, created in conjunction with the course I teach at the New York School of Interior Design ‘Collecting Design: History, Collections, Highlights.’ Like the previous film which focuses on the work of George Nakashima, Evans’ neighbor in New Hope, Pennsylvania, this one is supported by Rago Auctions. It seeks to tell the story of a radical sculptor/metalsmith, creating new and provocative type furniture that has come to change the face of design in mid-century America, bridging the art movements of the time with design. Evans’ furniture has been sought by collectors and decorators, and we learn, that the market today is concentrated not only in this country, but also in Europe, Asia, and South America. The film features some of the world best experts, friends, colleagues, who have shared their passion, experience, and expertise with those seeking to understand Evans’ work and with those looking to acquire his pieces. David Rago who has contributed to the spread of Evans’ work more than anyone else; Tony Ingrao, one of NYC’s leading decorators who has utilized Evans’ furniture extensively; Glenn Adamson whose knowledge and articulation I have always admired; Dorsey Reading, Evans’ right hand for decades; Joe Yurcik who is so much more than just a collector; Keith Evans, Paul’s son who was kind to share the personal story behind the legend; and James Zemaitis who has a great role in making this film a reality. The film will air in the spring of 2017.
