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
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
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.
Alpaca, 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
Madsen and Schubell, Ottoman, Beech, Suede, Sweden, 1940s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Manhasset, NY
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
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
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.
Sheepskin
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
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
1960's Mid-Century Danish Modern IB Madsen Reclining Lounge Arm Chair
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen, Adrian Pearsall, Ib Kofod-Larsen
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
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
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
Danish Designer, Stool, Oak, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid oak stool, designed and produced in Denmark, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 17.38"
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
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
Wood Tripod Heart Stool, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique heart tripod stool made in France, circa 1950s. Substantial and chunky heart shaped seat with three sturdy club legs with faceted sides. Perfe...
Wood
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 30 in D 30 in
Danish modern Madsen & Schubell tan Leather Swivel Lounge chair with ottoman
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern Madsen & Schubell tan Leather Swivel Lounge chair with ottoman. Great Scandinavian designed chair and ottoman with tan leather cushions and leather backing with Oak...
Metal
$600
H 19.69 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Tall Stool in Oak, Reupholstered in Lambswool, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tall stool in oak with curly legs, reupholstered seat in long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in circa 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian int...
Wool, Oak
$16,500 / set
H 37.5 in W 26 in D 28 in
Mid-century Wingback Recliner Lounge Chairs, Renzo Franchi, 1950's, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century Wingback Recliner Lounge Chairs, Renzo Franchi, 1950's, Italy Reclining lounge chairs with cherry frames and brass details. These armchairs ...
Cherry
Danish Designer, Stool, Teak, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and beige mohair stool, designed and produced in Denmark, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5"
Mohair, Teak
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
$4,966
H 28.35 in W 29.53 in D 28.75 in
Danish Modern Lounge Chair in Oak & Traditional Danish Olmerdug Wool, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful large Danish Modern lounge chair hand made by a cabinetmaker in Denmark in the 1950s. Great dramatic angles and proportions with carved wooden armrests and legs made of sol...
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Italian Bar Stools, Brass, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
Refined pair of midcentury Italian bar stools with structure in wood and brass, coming from an important villa on como lake. The brass ...
Brass
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
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 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
Madsen & Schubell Buffalo Leather & Suede Sectional Corner Sofa
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Norwalk, CT
Furnish the ultimate Scandinavian Modern lounge with this rare sectional sofa by the Danish design team of Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell. Finished in luxurious brown suede and buffalo leather for a subtle colorblocked look, this sofa features bold curves, cozy overstuffed cushions and sporty whipstitched trim. NOTE: Dimensions provided refer to the whole assembled sofa...
Leather, Suede, Beech
Sold
H 28 in W 25 in D 36 in
Rocking Clam Chair, Curly Sheepskin by Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell, 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Culver City, CA
Such an iconic and mysterious chair; the Clam Chair, is a timeless masterpiece designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark in 1944. This exceptional chair, which exudes ...
Sheepskin, Birch
Ib Madsen & Schubell Armchair model 'MS 4 High' Denmark, 1950
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Paris, IDF
Ib Madsen & SChubell 'MS 4 High' armchair, Madsen & Schubell Denmark 1950 Lounge chair rare model MS 4 hight in teak wood designed by Arnold Madsen. Produced by Madsen & Schubell in ...
Teak
Sold
H 37.8 in W 25.6 in D 31.5 in
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...
Upholstery, Wood, Oak, 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.
Leather, Beech