Look closely at any vintage furniture designed by father-son duo Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and a cacophony of stylistic influences reveals itself.
The LaVernes’ position at the intersection of art and design was the result of their combined backgrounds: Philip (1907–87) studied painting with Ashcan School artist John Sloan at the Art Students League of New York, while his son, Kelvin (b. 1937), attended the Parsons School of Design, taking classes in art history, furniture design and metalwork. The resulting merge of stylistic elements and innovative processes make for singular designs that defy categorization, striking a balance between modern and traditional, intricate and minimal, art piece and functional item. Their work was also strikingly different from the modern furniture created by Philip’s brother Erwine and his wife, Estelle, of Laverne Originals.
The LaVernes began producing one-of-a-kind furniture and sculpture in the mid-1950s out of a studio on Wooster Street in New York City before opening a showroom on Manhattan’s East 57th Street. As their 1960s advertisements declared: “It’s not just functional and not just art, it’s an investment.”
The LaVernes married a stunning array of techniques and styles to achieve their singular, deeply layered look for one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces. Chinoiserie motifs abound on many of their acid-etched tables, but art from ancient Greece and Egypt also served as inspiration. The influence of figurative sculptors is evident in designs like coffee tables and side tables with bronze bodies serving as frames or bases; other pieces, meanwhile, have deeply detailed surfaces and strikingly simple silhouettes.
The duo developed their own unconventional methods — sometimes to an extreme — for finishing their pieces: Techniques employed by the LaVernes included acid washing and burying furniture underground in a mixture of soil and chemicals to achieve a desired patina through oxidation. While they sometimes used pewter and silver, bronze was one of their most commonly employed materials, either etched or cast and sometimes paired with glass tops. Their partnership ended when Philip died in 1987 and Kelvin shifted his practice to sculpture.
Find an extraordinary range of vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne 'Generation' Bronze Sculpture Table, c. 1964, Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This important and documented bronze sculpture table named "Generation" by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne was sculpted circa 1964 and a similar example was featured on the cover of “Phili...
Bronze
Bronze 'Chan' Coffee or Large End Table by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, 1960s Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare iteration of the classic and highly sought after 'Chan' coffee table by father and son team, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne (New York), produced in the 1960s and signed with the artists names on the top (see photos). Ingeniously designed with international patination and polychromed bronze and pewter, this rare form coffee table which also functions excellent as a large end table...
Bronze, Pewter
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, Steel
'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and highly collectible example of the 'Sultana' dining table designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft in the 1960s. Part of an iconic line that included tables, seating and coordinating pieces, this table exemplifies Mulhauser’s ability to marry structural ingenuity with decorative flair. The design is anchored by a sweeping, scroll-formed wood base refinished in a dark brown stain, its looping curves radiating outward to create a visually dynamic silhouette that remains remarkably elegant. Resting atop this sculptural support is a 48" round glass top (but different size tops can be made upon request), which displays the base like a piece of modern art while providing generous surface area for dining or entertaining. Part of Plycraft’s signature Sultana line is a suite that also included armchairs and side chairs, this table reflects the best of mid-century American modernism with a Hollywood Regency sensibility. Its balanced proportions, bold yet refined detailing, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional focal point for both classic and contemporary interiors. Ideal for collectors, interior designers and decorators, and discerning clients seeking a centerpiece dining table that is both functional and a work of art, this Mulhauser Sultana...
Wood
Jules Leleu Documented Coffee Table in Mahogany and Brass, France, c 1957
By Jules Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite coffee table by Jules Leleu was executed in circa 1957 France, in Mahogany with patinated metal stretchers, brass accents and a antiqued mirrored glass top. Documented in Leleu Decorateurs Ensembliers by Francoise Siriex, the underside is impressed with Maison Leleu inventory numbers '29090'. Jules Leleu first opened Maison Leleu, a Paris gallery, in 1924 and won a grand prize at the 1925 Exposition Industrielle et Arts Decoratifs. Later, Leleu designed the Grand Salon of the Ambassadors at the Society of Nations in Geneva and the French Embassies of several nations and the SS Ile de France...
Brass
California Craftsman Freeform Cocktail Table by Craig Lauterbach, 1980, Signed
By Craig Lauterbach
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Presenting a mesmerizing free-form coffee table crafted by California artisan Craig Lauterbach, signed and dated 1980. This unique piece embodies the American Studio Craft movement,...
Glass, Wood
Rare Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Generation" Sculpture Coffee Table c 1970
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rare Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Generation" Sculpture Coffee Table circa 1970 MINT!
Brass
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Rare Center Table, Bronze, USA, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Stamford, CT
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, American Mid-Century Modern, Rare 'Tao' Dining, Center, or Game Table, Etched, Polychromed, Bronze, USA, 1960s A rare example of a center table designed a...
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century, T'ang Marriage Coffee Table, Bronze, 1965
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Stamford, CT
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century, T'ang Marriage Coffee Table, Etched Bronze, USA c. 1965 Rare and important 'T'ang Marriage' coffee table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. This e...
Bronze
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne " Creation of Man " Double Pedestal Bronze Coffee Table
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in St. Louis, MO
Truly a work of art, this fine LaVerne example is a double fluted pedestal "Creation of Man" motif etched tabletop described by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne as: 'God giving breath to Ad...
Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare and Important "Repose" Coffee Table 1970s Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and important “Repose” or “Brooding Woman” coffee table with cast bronze female nude on a patinated base with bronze tones, welded cords and ...
Metal, Bronze
Mid-Century 1965 Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan Coffee Table, Bronze
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful example of the Laverne Boucher coffee table from the 1960s Chan series from the iconic father/son duo, Philip and Kelvin Laverne. The table top's design is an homage to the...
Brass, Enamel, Pewter
