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.
Original Danish 1950s Lounge Chair attributed to Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sublime lounge chair from Danish midcentury era very similar to the iconic model "Pragh" designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen and ...
Wool, Teak
1960s Danish Design Henry Schubell Lounge Chair, Black Leather & Beech
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Henry Schubell lounge chair upholstered with black leather. Frame of soap treated beech. Made by Madsen & Schubell.
Leather, Beech
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 Schubell for Ib Madsen & Acton Schubel...
Fabric, Teak
Madsen and Schubell, Ottoman, Beech, Suede, Sweden, 1940s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Stamford, CT
Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell, Footstool or Ottoman, Beech, Suede, Sweden, 1950s An organic form ottoman designed and produced by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell in Sweden c. 1950s. This ex...
Suede, Beech
$16,400 / set
Arnold Madsen 'Oda' Easy Chair with Stool
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, 'Oda' lounge chair with ottoman, model 'MS-9', fabric teak, Denmark, circa 1957. The Oda lounge chair with ottoman, designed by Arnold Madsen (...
Teak, Fabric
“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Arnold Madsen
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...
Sheepskin, Wood
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Stool / Ottoman, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful, original Pragh footstool by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell, Denmark 1950s. Newly upholstered in a premium bespoke pure Alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Beech, Alpaca
Henry Schubell Easy Chair Model Ms-6 Produced by Madsen & Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model MS-6 designed by Henry Schubell. Produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark.
Leather, Sheepskin, Teak
1960's Mid-Century Danish Modern IB Madsen Reclining Lounge Arm Chair
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ib Madsen, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern lounge chair for sale. Designed by Danish designer IB Madsen. It was manufactured in the 1960's, and was previously restored. It has a solid mahoga...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell Pragh Ottoman in Mohair
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Oakland, CA
Scandinavian ottoman by Danish designer, Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell circa 1955 Denmark. The ottoman is crafted of solid stained oak with sculpted...
Mohair, Oak
Leather Ottoman Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Ottoman Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell Denmark, 1950’s H 14.5 x W 22.5 x D 14
Leather, Oak
Re-Edition Sheepskin Clam Chairs by Arnold Madsen
By Arnold Madsen
Located in London, England
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...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Pair of Luigi Colii Attributed Stools, Italy, 1940s
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming pair of hammered-iron stools, attributed to Italian designer Pier Luigi Colli. The iron is painted in original off-white color (cream). Newly upholstered with vintage, ...
Wrought Iron
Re-Edition Sheepskin Clam Chairs by Arnold Madsen
By Arnold Madsen
Located in London, England
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...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Pair of Art Deco Ottomans, France, 1940s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eugene Printz
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Pair of Art Deco Ottomans, France, 1930s Require new fabric. Priced and sold as a pair as are. W 34 x D 33 x H 38cm
Fabric, Wood
$1,966
H 33.08 in W 22.84 in D 24.02 in
Vintage Mid-century Lounge Chair Danish Style of Henry Schubell
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This lounge chair, a rare example of vintage Danish design, embodies the timeless elegance and functional comfort that define the Mid-Century Modern era. Crafted in Denmark, its form...
Beech
$8,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 28 in D 30 in
Paolo Buffa attributed Original Italian Lounge Chairs 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Paolo Buffa attributed sexy lounge chairs made Italy. Circa the 1950s selling as a pair No label present, attributed Paolo Buffa. Original floral pattern uph...
Brass
$1,170
H 15.75 in W 30.32 in D 23.63 in
Inca Chair ottoman designed by Arne Norell for Norell Mobel AB Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
inca ottoman designed by Arne Norell Manufactured by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden. Characteristic for Arne Norell‘s Inca furniture series and done other ms...
Wood
$2,926
H 41.34 in W 28.75 in D 34.65 in
1940s Fritz Hansen Style Wing Back Lounge Chair with Mocha Brown Leather
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish modern wing back chair most likely manufactured by Fritz Hansen A/S in Denmark in the period 1930-1950s The comfortable chair is upholstered with mocha brown leather with pat...
Leather, Beech
$4,777
H 35.44 in W 31.7 in D 39.38 in
Large Armchair, Reupholstered in Pure Alpaca Wool, Denmark, 1950s
By Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Märta Blomstedt, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A large armchair, Denmark, 1950s. Newly upholstered in a luxurious, soft, ivory pure alpaca wool. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca, Wood
Art Deco Fabric Lined Wooden Stool, France ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Art Deco furniture is a great way to add drama and sophistication to any room. It’s a style often used to add a modern yet timeless touch to living rooms and bedrooms. Whether you lo...
Fabric, Wood
Madsen & Schubell Sheepskin Pragh Chair & Stool c1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in London, England
Madsen & Schubell - Pragh Chair & Stool, 1948 The iconic Pragh chair was designed and produced in 1948 by Danish duo Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell. The Pragh was a natural successo...
Sheepskin, Beech
Re-Edition Boucle Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen
By Arnold Madsen
Located in London, England
Official re-edition of the iconic clam chair by Arnold Madsen. Dagmar in collaboration with the estate of Arnold Madsen is proud to re-launch the Clam Chair ...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Private listing for Gabriela - 1 Pragh Chair
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
This listing includes: - 1 Madsen & Acton Schubell ''Pragh'' lounge chair: $13.000 - Labor costs for reupholstery: $720
Wood
“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in New York, NY
Arnold Madsen, “Clam” lounge chair, Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1940s. Designed in 1944 in Madsen’s Copenhagen workshop and produced in collaboration with cabinetmaker Henry Schu...
Sheepskin, Wood
Sold
H 37 in W 29.25 in D 29.5 in
Danish 1950's Madsen and Schubell High Back Lounge Chair in Teak and Oak
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The model Pragh chair by the Danish design duo of Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell are quickly becoming very sought after and in terms of desirability now matching the Papa Bear chair by...
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 39.38 in W 31.89 in D 34.26 in
Midcentury "Prag" Lounge Chair by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant lounge chair and footstool by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, model called “Prag”. Made from beech with sheepskin upholstery. Generous size and lovely details, like the neck cu...
Sheepskin, Wood
Sold
H 39 in W 31.25 in D 32 in
Original Danish 1950s Lounge Chair Model Pragh w/ Ottoman by Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
One of the most sublime lounge chairs to come out the Danish midcentury era the model Pragh designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen a...
Wool, Oak, Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.58 in D 23.23 in
Armchair in Wool Fabric by Ib Madsen & Anton Schubell from the 1950's
By Vik & Blindheim, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair designed by Ib Madsen and Anton Schubell, manufactured by Vik & Blindheim in the 1950s. The chair is upholstered in white wool fabric, which provides comfortable seating com...
Wool, Wood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid Century Modern, Stool in Lambswool & Teak by Madsen & Schubell, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Odense, DK
This Danish mid-century modern stool, designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell in the 1950s, features a minimalist yet elegant design. Its teak legs provide sturdy support and a warm, ...
Lambskin, Teak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 22.84 in D 14.97 in
Midcentury Stool Model Pragh Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman in fabric, designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell.
Fabric
Sold
H 16.15 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Danish Mid-Century Stool Model Pragh by Madsen & Schubell, 1950s.
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Stool Model Pragh by Madsen & Schubell, 1950s. Ottoman or foot stool designed by Dansih architects Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell and manufactured in their own works...
Faux Leather, Beech
Sold
H 39 in W 31.25 in D 32 in
Danish 1950s Lounge Chair Model Pragh with Ottoman by Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
One of the most sublime lounge chairs to come out the Danish midcentury era the model Pragh designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen a...
Wool, Oak, Teak
Sold
H 42 in W 33 in D 30 in
Leather & Rosewood Reclining Lounge Chair by Madsen & Schübell - Denmark 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Round Rock, TX
Reclining leather and Brazilian rosewood lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell for their company Madsen & Schübell. Denmark, c.1950s. Model MS-30 Often mi...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 29.93 in D 38.19 in
Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell's "Prague Chair" for Schubell & Madsen, Denmark 1960s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Utrecht, NL
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...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Teak