Aksel Bender Madsen created a number of classic mid century designs in the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, often working jointly with his business partner and friend Ejner Larsen (1917–87). Bender Madsen trained as a cabinetmaker before spending four years studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1940. It was there that he met his lifelong friend Larsen, with whom he would work throughout his career. They designed over 300 pieces of furniture together until Larsen’s death in 1987, often working with cabinetmaker Willy Beck, who produced their designs over a 25-year period. Larsen and Bender Madsen participated annually in the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild competitions from 1947, and their work was exhibited at the Triennale di Milano and in the Design in Scandinavia exhibition, which traveled across the US. from 1954 to 1957. Larsen and Bender Madsen’s most famous design, namely the Metropolitan Chair, was developed in 1949 and produced from 1950; its name came from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it was shown and acquired for the Arts of Denmark exhibition in 1960–61. Before he began working with Larsen, Bender Madsen worked for Danish icons Kaare Klint and Arne Jacobsen from 1940 to 1943. While designing furniture, he also worked simultaneously as an architect for the Danish Consumers Cooperative Society (1943–50) and as a teacher and principal at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (1950–54). Bender Madsen was committed to building the Danish design identity and exporting Scandinavian style. He introduced a clear Danish aesthetic to the Dutch brand Bovenkamp in the 1950s and 1960s, who also worked with Arne Vodder. Bender Madsen designs for Bovenkamp feature many models of easy chairs and armchairs, including the low-backed Edith and the high-backed Karen (circa 1950). Together Bender Madsen and Larsen received many awards, including winning the prestigious Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Annual Prize in 1956 and 1961. Their furniture is housed in museums around the world, including the aforementioned Met Museum and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark.
Aksel Bender Madsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Four Armchairs in Oak
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen for Fritz Hansen, set f four dining chairs, oak, black upholstery, Denmark, circa 1955 This set of four Danish dining chairs feature a blond oak frame that forms...
Fabric, Oak
Larsen & Bender-Madsen for Fritz Hansen Dining Chair in Oak
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Einar Larsen & Aksel Bender-Madsen for Fritz Hansen, model 4205, orange upholstery, oak, Denmark, 1950s This wide dining chair is executed with a rounded back. The chair features a ...
Fabric, Oak
Lounge Chair by Ejner Larsen & A. Bender Madsen
By Ejner Larsen, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare LP48 armchair from 1948 by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, made by Ludvig Pontoppidan in original black leather. Signed with label.
Leather, Teak
Metropolitan Chair by Ejnar Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, circa 1960
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in London, GB
Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen Rare ‘Metropolitan’ armchair, model no. 2842/L designed 1949, executed circa 1961 Rosewood, leather Executed by master cabinetmaker Willy B...
Leather
Rare Rosewood Armchairs by Enjer Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are rare rosewood armchairs by Enjer Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen for Larsen + Madsen, c1955. Fully restored in beautiful Italian leather. Allow 3-4 weeks if upholstery servi...
Leather, Rosewood
Armchair by Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, Leather, 1949
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Very rare and iconic armchair from the 1950s, crafted from premium teak wood and upholstered in high-quality leather. Designed by Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen, this vintage p...
Leather, Teak
$4,950Sale Price / set|23% Off
Ejner Larsen and A. Bender Madsen Danish Teak Lounge Chair and Ottoman Set
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Ludvig Pontoppidan, Ejner Larsen
Located in Peabody, MA
Danish teak lounge armchair and footstool/ottoman, circa mid-1950s. Designed by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen and made by Ludvig P...
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen 4205 Dining Arm Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen, Ejner Larsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sculpted Dining Armchair, Model 4205, initially designed by Einar Larsen & Aksel Bender-Madsen for Fritz Hansen in the 1950s.The piece was produced in Denmark, designed hav...
Steel
$8,051Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 64.57 in D 25.2 in
Lounge Chairs and Sofa by Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp, 1952
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Bovenkamp
Located in Antwerp, BE
Early rare midcentury livingroom set composed of one lady-chair, one highback reading chair, attached neck pillow, and one sofa. Beautifully sculpted teak frame and original amber-or...
Upholstery, Oak
Set of 4 "China Chairs" for Fritz Hansen by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 8 rosewood toned, cherry wood "China Chairs" for Fritz Hansen by Hans Wegner. Produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark. Two chairs from 1982. 6 chairs purchased together with pre 197...
Cherry
$1,687Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 31.89 in W 20.08 in D 19.69 in
1960s Six Danish Ejnar Larsen, Axel Bender Madsen Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of Six Danish rosewood Ejnar Larsen and Axel Bender Madsen dining chairs by Willy Beck The dining chairs feature a modest yet sophisticated design with their squared seat and wh...
Rosewood
$4,690 / set
H 31.89 in W 19.69 in D 20.08 in
Danish Hardwood Dining Chair by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender-Madsen
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in Vienna, AT
Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender-Madsen a set of six dining chairs with hardwood frame and with round tapered legs. Seat and back upholstered in wool fabric. Designed in 1955, made by ...
Hardwood
$6,512
H 19.69 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Stool for Willy Beck, Rosewood & Leather
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool designed by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, Denmark, 1950s. Brazilian rosewood and leather. Marked. Dimensions: H: 50 cm / 19 3/4'' W: 56 cm / 22'' D: 4...
Leather, Rosewood
$2,950
H 30.25 in W 24.75 in D 21.5 in
Arm Chair by Enjar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck, Denmark, c. 1950's
By Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and limited early Danish Modern armchair by Enjar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, crafted in the 1950s in Denmark. This stunning armchair is construct...
Teak
Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen, Armchair, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in High Point, NC
A teak "Metropolitan" armchair designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 28.5"W x 19.5"D ...
Teak
$7,459
H 31.11 in W 28.35 in D 18.9 in
Danish Modern "Metropolitan" Chair by Larsen & Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen, 1949
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare "Metropolitan Chair" designed by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen made by Fritz Hansen in 1949. Frame in solid beech with backrest and seat in teak plywood. The name of the ch...
Beech, Teak
Ejnar Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in London, GB
A rare teak armchair designed by Ejnar Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen. Seat and back with woven cane. Designed 1955. This example made 1950–1960s by cabin...
Cane
$2,400 / set
H 30.5 in W 19.75 in D 21 in
Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Teak Side Dining Chairs for Willy Beck, 1950
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Chicago, IL
Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Teak Side Dining Chairs for Willy Beck, Denmark 1950. Fully restored and new leather. Captain chairs are in separate listing. Measures 30.5”...
Leather, Teak
$3,374 / set
H 31.89 in W 20.08 in D 19.69 in
1960s Six Danish Ejnar Larsen, Axel Bender Madsen Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of Six Danish rosewood Ejnar Larsen and Axel Bender Madsen dining chairs by Willy Beck The dining chairs feature a modest yet sophisticated design with their squared seat and wh...
Rosewood
Hans J. Wegner Chinese Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
China chair by Hans J. Wegner, 1944. Executed by Fritz Hansen, 1970. Cherry wood and natural tanned leather cushion.
Leather, Cherry
Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp Lounge Chair in Oak and Teak
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp, lounge chair, teak and oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s. Madsen is known for his modest, minimalist designs. This lounge chair has armrests made out of...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 21.26 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak and Papercord Armchair by Aksel Bender Madsen
By Ejner Larsen, Naestved Mobelfabrik, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Vienna, AT
This rare Scandinavian Modern teak dining armchair with papercord seat was designed by Aksel BenderMadsen and Ejner Larsen and manufactured by Naestved Mobelfabrik , Model No 1656, ...
Papercord, Teak
Sold
H 30.25 in W 24.75 in D 21.5 in
Set of 2 Danish Modern Arm Chairs by Enjar Larsen & Bender Madsen for Willy Beck
By Willy Beck, Aksel Bender Madsen, Ejner Larsen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and limited set of two (2) early Danish Modern arm chairs by Enjar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, crafted in the 1950s in Denmark. These stunning cha...
Wicker, Teak
vintage armchair easy chair Bovenkamp 60's
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage armchair easy chair Bovenkamp 60's period 60's designs Aksel Bender Madsen Upper Camp The Netherlands conditions excellent minimal signs of use newly upholstered s...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Wingback Chair by Madsen for Bovenkamp, 1950s
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful design classic fauteuil by Danish designer Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp Holland, manufactured in the 1950s. This 'wingback chair' is inspired by Scandinavian organic ...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 34.65 in W 23.63 in D 30.32 in
Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp Teak Lounge Chair in Soft White Chenille, 60s
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This armchair by Aksel Bender Madsen is executed by Bovenkamp. The Danish designer once again demonstrates his good taste combined with excellent craftsmanship. With the soft white b...
Chenille, Teak
Sold
H 32.68 in W 26.78 in D 28.75 in
Aksel Bender Madsen Wingback Set of 2 Lounge Chairs for Bovenkamp, 1950s
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in The Hague, NL
Set of 2 lounge chairs called wingback, designed by Aksel Bender Madsen. Aksel Bender Madsen worked for Bovenkamp in the 1950s and 1960s, this chair was produced in 1958. Madse...
Wool, Oak, Teak
Axel Bender Madsen Rosewood Dining Arm Chairs
By Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Oakland, CA
Aksel Bender Madsen dining armchairs crafted of solid Brazilian rosewood with sculpted arms and a comfortable backrest. The pair of chairs are in their original finish and upholstere...
Rosewood
Sold
H 41.34 in W 25.2 in D 32.29 in
Aksel Bender Madsen Karen Wingback Chair Bovenkamp, The Netherlands, 1960
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful shaped lounge chair model Karen designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Schubell and manufactured by Bovenkamp, The Netherlands 1960. Aksel Bender Madsen was contracted by Bovenk...
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 25.6 in L 40.16 in
Aksel Bender Madsen Blue Karen Wingback Chairs Bovenkamp, Netherlands, 1960
By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice set of 2 lounge chairs model Karen designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Schubell and manufactured by Bovenkamp, The Netherlands, 1960. Aksel Bender Madsen was contracted by Bo...
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Armchair by Ejnar Larsen and A. Bender Madsen
By Willy Beck, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teak and leather armchair by Ejnar Larsen and A. (Aksel) Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, Denmark, circa 1950s. The chair features a fully upholstered seat a...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 24.81 in D 25.99 in
"Metropolitan" Chair by Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen for Willy Beck
By Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair Metropolitan designed by Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen for Willy Beck, Denmark. 1950s. Lacquered wood and original cane. Dimensions: H: 78 cm/ 2' 7'' D: 50 cm/ 1' 8...
Cane, Lacquer