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Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

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
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...
Category

1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

Materials

Wool, Wood

"Pragh" Ottoman / Footstool by Madsen & Schubell - 1940's
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Pragh" Ottoman / Footstool by Madsen & Schubell. Designed in the 1940's. Unmarked
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell's "Prague Chair" for Schubell & Madsen, Denmark 1960s
By Madsen & Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton 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...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Teak

Madsen & Schubell Pragh Stool / Ottoman, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in LEWES, GB
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.
Category

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

Materials

Alpaca, Beech

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
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Danish Mid-Century Stool Model Pragh by Madsen & Schubell, 1950s.
By Madsen & Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton 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...
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1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Midcentury Stool Model Pragh Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Great condition.
Category

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

Materials

Sheepskin

Arnold Madsen 'Oda' Easy Chair with Stool
By Arnold Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
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 (...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

Materials

Teak, Fabric

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.
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin, Teak

Mid-Century Lounge Chair Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Lounge chair in leather, designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell.
Category

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

Materials

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 Schube...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Teak

“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...
Category

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

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

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...
Category

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

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Ib Madsen for Madsen & Schübell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen
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...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Teak

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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...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Furniture

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Leather, Sheepskin, Beech

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

Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Flemming Lassen, Povl Dinesen, and Poul Jensen.

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