“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944

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...

This famous model, known as the “Pragstolen or Pragh” (literally: The Prague Chair) by Danish designer duo Madsen & Schubell was designed by Henry Hans Schubell...

Designed by Henning Kjaernulf, this so-called “kurulstol” or kurul chair, is an iconic model by Danish designer, Henning Kjærnulf. The Kurul chair is an ancient folding chair, origin...

This impressive bookcase designed by Børge Mogensen reflects the Danish designer’s aesthetic that was clean and highly functional, creating pieces that stand out despite their restrained design. The bookcase is made with a beautiful woodgrain that is visible throughout the bodies. The bookcase ' tops, flanks, fronts and shelves are constructed of solid wood. The shelves are all easily adjustable and removable. The bookcase features five adjustable shelves, a feature of functionality. The shelves can be arranged in multiple ways to accommodate books or other objects of various sizes, and thanks to the open front, this bookcases is perfect to showcase any item. The bookcase stands sturdily on the distinctively sculpted, black lacquered wooden legs. The subtle geometry of the base and the color blocking legs add modernism to the design while also balancing out the heaviness of the body. Børge Mogensen’s present design for C. M. Madsen Cabinetmakers Denmark was manufactured by the Danish company, FDB Møbler. The bookcase is stamped with the cabinetmaker's mark and production number on the back. Condition: Good, in good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Both items have some discoloration and a later made (cable) hole that has been restored by a piece of colored plywood. Dimensions: 48.03 in W x 10.23 in D x 62.59 in H 122 cm W x 26 cm D x 159 cm H About the Designer: Børge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinet maker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942. At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950 he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa...

This impressive bookcase designed by Børge Mogensen reflects the Danish designer’s aesthetic that was clean and highly functional, creating pieces that stand out despite their restrained design. The bookcase is made of wood with a beautiful woodgrain that is visible throughout the bodies. The bookcase ' tops, flanks, fronts and shelves are constructed of solid wood. The shelves are all easily adjustable and removable. The bookcase features five adjustable shelves, a feature of functionality. The shelves can be arranged in multiple ways to accommodate books or other objects of various sizes, and thanks to the open front, this bookcases is perfect to showcase any item. The bookcase stands sturdily on the distinctively sculpted, black lacquered wooden legs. The subtle geometry of the base and the color blocking legs add modernism to the design while also balancing out the heaviness of the body. Børge Mogensen’s present design for C. M. Madsen Cabinetmakers Denmark was manufactured by the Danish company, FDB Møbler. The bookcase is stamped with the cabinetmaker's mark and production number on the back. Condition: Good, in good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Both items have some discoloration and a later made (cable) hole that has been restored by a piece of colored plywood. Dimensions: ?48.03 in W x 10.23 in D x 62.59 in H 122 cm W x 26 cm D x 159 cm H About the Designer: Børge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinet maker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936-1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942. At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950 he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa...

This “Model 215” easy chair was designed by Danish designer and architect Kurt Olsen, and unifies some of the best characteristics of mid-century Danish design and craftsmanship. ...

Iconic Clam chair designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944. This example is a vintage original armchair produced in the 40's in danemark. The chair has been...

Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell rare pair of Clam chairs with beech arms and legs and upholstered in ivory bouclé with camel leather buttons on back and seat, Denmark. 1944. These iconic Clam chairs have a characteristic organic shape with soft curves throughout including gently curved back, seat, and arms, and resting 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 back is slightly tilted while the seat is slightly raised towards the front to provide conformity to the body and great comfort. These original exquisite Madsen Clam chairs...

Arnold Madsen 'Clam Chair' produced by Madsen & Schubell 1950s. Completely restored. Excellent condition.

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...

An increasingly hard to find 'clam' chair. Denmark, c1950s. Attributed to Arnold Madsen, similar models were made by Philip Arctander. Original fabric retained which has ...

Official Re-Edition of the iconic Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen. Dagmar in collaboration with the estate of Arnold Madsen is proud to re-lau...