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Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Danish

The history of Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell originates with Henry Hans Schubell and Arnold Madsen, a powerhouse duo in Danish furniture design throughout the mid-20th century. The pair collaborated with Dutch company Bovenkamp on a range of furnishings and created memorable lounge chairs, stools and other seating throughout the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s — such as the iconic Clam chair — that represent the finest of Scandinavian modern design. 

Born in 1906, Schubell was an apprentice cabinetmaker turned foreman by his early 20s. As a supervisor for cabinetmakers Winter and Winding, Schubell oversaw furniture production in their workshop until the mid-1940s.

In 1944, a skilled upholster by the name of Arnold Madsen requested assistance from a cabinetmaker to make a prototype lounge chair based on a plaster model he’d made. Accepting the challenge, Schubell impressed Madsen to the point that he suggested they enter into a partnership. The Clam chair was their first collaboration as Madsen & Schubell.

According to Aaron FitzGerald, of Dagmar gallery, Madsen’s Clam chair is “one of the most sought-after and simultaneously misattributed and copied chair designs of the twentieth century.” In the past, it was ascribed to the Norwegian retailer Martin Olsen and then the Danish architect Philip Arctander. It was only through some dogged research by a team of international design historians and collectors that it was finally correctly associated with Madsen.

In the backyard of a modest home in Copenhagen, Schubell built wooden frames which Madsen then upholstered. They sold their finished products to dealers under their joint name, earning enough money to move production to a factory outside the city. Some models were under license by Norwegian company Vik & Blindheim while others were manufactured by Bovenkamp in the Netherlands. The pair’s partnership ended in 1963 in order for the designers to establish separate companies. Madsen opened a new upholstery firm with his son, Ib Madsen, under the name Madsen og Schubell, and Schubell continued to build frames for Madsen as Schubell & Son.

Vintage Madsen & Schubell chairs offer sturdy build quality and the kind of superior upholstery that is typical among mid-century Scandinavian furniture. Working with a range of woods including teak, rosewood and birch, Madsen & Schubell accented natural wood grains with soft lambswool and sheepskin for a variety of comfortable seating.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating.

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Creator: Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Set of 2 Madsen & Schubell lounge chairs for Bovenkamp, Netherlands 19650s
By Bovenkamp, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in DE MEERN, NL
PAIR OF ARNOLD MADSEN & HENRY SCHUBELL LOUNGE CHAIRS FOR BOVENKAMP, NETHERLANDS 1950S If you're looking for a timeless piece of mid-century furniture to add to your home, look no further than this stunning vintage pair of Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell lounge chairs for Bovenkamp, Netherlands. Crafted in the 1950s, these chairs showcase the best of mid-century modern design. These lounge chairs were created by two of the most iconic Danish furniture designers of the era, Arnold Madsen and Henry Schubell. Bovenkamp, a well-known Dutch furniture manufacturer, produced these chairs with the utmost attention to detail, using only the finest materials. The sleek lines and minimalist design of these lounge chairs are a hallmark of the mid-century modern aesthetic. Their curved wood frames and expertly upholstered cushions create a sense of effortless elegance that will complement any modern decor. Investing in vintage furniture is not only a sustainable choice, but it also adds character and history to your home. These Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell lounge chairs are a true statement piece and are sure to become the centerpiece of any room they inhabit. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of mid-century modern history. Add these stunning vintage lounge chairs to your home today and enjoy their timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship for years to come. The set contains one highback and one lowback “ladies” chair. Both chairs are re-upholstered in high quality fabric by Kvadrat, in a beautiful blue seat pillows. The base is made of oak wood with teak armrests, giving it a luxurious finish. This exceptional set would make a very appealing addition to any interior, adding the warmth of Scandinavian mid-century design to your decor Highback chair sizes: W. 65 x D. 80 x H. 96 (SH. 38) cm Lowback chair...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Oak, Teak

Madsen & Schubell, Wingback Lounge Chair & Stool in Teak, Reupholstered, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Odense, DK
A very rare version of "The Prague Chair" and stool in teak, reupholstered in a luxurious vintage fabric from the 1980s. Designed by Henry Hans Schube...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by many as one of the most attractive chairs of Nordic Design. At the same time, this chair is arguably also the most mysterious piece on the Danish furniture market. The model has a rather perplexing history, and has been attributed to several designers before, the latest being the Danish architect Phillip Arctander. However, recent research revealed that the “Clam” is the model that in fact started the story of Madsen & Schubell. Arnold Madsen designed this model in 1944 in his small basement workshop in Gothersgade, Copenhagen. This chair has a characteristic organic shape with soft curves, perched on club-shaped beech legs. The name comes from the shape of the seat and back that together form the silhouette of an open clam. The round armrests compliment the overall round feel of the chair. The seat is slightly raised towards the front, while the back is tilted to provide great sitting comfort. The seat and back are covered in light sheepskin, adding to the soft and cosy feel of this “Clam”. Interestingly, Hans Schubell invented the special connecting piece of this chair, formed from only one piece of wood. The rest of the seat and backrest were glued to this single piece. In 1944, the chair was already exhibited in conjunction with the presentation of the newly opened furniture store NY FORM A/S in Copenhagen, which sold the leading design of the day. In 1945, the Clam went into serial production as the first model of the new furniture company Madsen & Schubell and many well-known stores soon included Madsen & Schubell in their product range. Illums Bolighus was one of them, as were the Messen department store and the Copenhagen furniture store Nordisk Staal-og-Møbel Central. In 1953, Madsen & Schubell sold the licence of the chair to the Norwegian company Vik and Blindheim. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in light sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 26.38 in W x 33.27 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Arm height 22.64 in 67 cm W x 84.5 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 57.5 cm About the designer: Henry Hans Schubell...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Ib Madsen for Madsen & Schübell
By Ib Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair with ottoman by Ib Madsen for Madsen & Schübell, Denmark, circa 1950s. The chair and ottoman retain original black leather upholstery and feature multiple settings for c...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

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Previously Available Items
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'Clam' Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

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Lambskin, Leather, Birch

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By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Aksel Bender Madsen, Bovenkamp
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
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Acton Schubell & Ib Madsen 'Pragh' Wingback Chair in Sheepskin, Denmark, 1950s
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Wingback Lounge Chair by Schubell & Madsen, Denmark, 1950s
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1950s Danish Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

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Sheepskin, Beech

“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
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Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by some as one of the most attractive chairs of “Nordic Design”. The model has a rather perplexing history, ...
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1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

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“The Prague Chair” by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1950s
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This famous model, the “Pragstolen” (literally: The Prague Chair) by Danish designer duo Madsen & Schubell was designed by Henry Hans Schubell and was pro...
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Madsen and Schubell Wingback Lounge Chair for Vik and Blinheim
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Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell, Lounge Chair, Sheepskin, wood, for UK client
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A high back lounge chair / armchair. Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Produced in Denmark, 1950s. The designers mixes typical mid-century aesthetics with organic form. Listi...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

Materials

Teak, Sheepskin, Beech

Ib Madsen And Acton Schubell armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by A.P. Stolen, Kristian Solmer Vedel, and Niels Koefoed. Prices for Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,660 and can go as high as $27,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,250.

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