Born in 1919, Phillip Lloyd Powell was a self-taught furniture maker who produced clean line and deceptively simple furniture. Powell started making small pieces for family and friends while in high school and after high school, went on to study engineering at Drexel University. The combination of these wood working and engineering skills is apparent in his work. After serving during World War II, Powell settled in New Hope, Pennsylvania, attracted by the local thriving artists community. In the early 1950s he began producing furniture and shared a studio for over a decade, with Paul Evans the designer and metal smith. The two worked together on several pieces. Powell soon gained a reputation for making strikingly modern pieces and producing pieces as and when he decided to make them. Perhaps his most recognizable works are his cabinets. There are thought to be less than 1,000 pieces in existence. Consequently, his work often achieves high prices at galleries and auction houses.
Pair of New Hope Lounge Chairs, ca. 1960. American Black Walnut. Freemans Philadelphia, Design Auction, June 4th 2018. Lot 75.
Cabinet: Walnut and patinated steel Sculpted Steel wall-hanging cabinet, ca.1960. Sold at Christies, New York, SALE 2500 15 December 2010. Lot 110.
Custom Chaise Lounge, ca. 1960s. Burnt umber, fuchsia lacquer and silver gilding, new upholstery. Signed. Available in 2018 by Todd Merrill Studio, New York.