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.
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
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 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
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
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 Kofod-Larsen, Ib Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, 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
$3,182 / set
Henry Schubell Lounge Chair
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Madsen & Schubell lounge chair. Upholstered with Hallingdal wool from Kvadrat. Frame of oak. Made by Madsen & Schubell.
Oak, Wool
$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
$600
H 19.69 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Tall Stool in Oak, Reupholstered in Lambswool, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
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
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
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
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
$3,595 / set
H 28.5 in W 28 in D 30.25 in
Restored Mid Century Danish Modern Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Totally restored Mid century lounge chair with adjustable ottoman foot rest attributed to Ib Kofod-Larsen. All new fabric with new foam on both pieces. Vintage retro looking fabric i...
Steel
Mario Bellini, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Vinyl, Italy, 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech and black vinyl lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini and produced by La Rinascente, Italy, c. 1960s. Model documented in period advertisement. Overall Dimensions...
Fabric, Beech
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
Mid-Century Danish Hexagonal Oak Stool with Lambswool Upholstery, 1950
By Henning Kjærnulf, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant example of Danish Modern design, this oak stool features a distinctive hexagonal seat and finely carved legs, newly upholstered in luxuriously soft, natural taupe-colored ...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern teak lounge chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. A masterclass in Scandinavian craftsmanship, these iconic lounge chairs showcase the g...
Brass
Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Highland, IN
This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...
Birch, Upholstery
$5,995 / set
H 30.5 in W 29 in D 32 in
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These exceptional Danish modern lounge chairs represent a masterful collaboration between renowned architect and furniture designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and Selig, dating to the 1960s. Ea...
Fabric, Walnut
Arne Norell Easy Chair Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Safari chair model Sirocco in good condition. Original cognac leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
$1,580 / set
H 14.97 in Dm 17.72 in
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Stools, Reupholstered in Lambswool, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant pair of stools is a refined example of Danish Modern design, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. Each stool features a distinctive hexagonal seat and ...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak, Beech
Late 1940's Moderne / Deco Footstool or Ottoman
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
French, late 1940’s Jacques Adnet stool in Cerused white oak purchased from Miguel Saco Inc. in New York City. Upholstered in Ashbury calf hide leather in a warm off white with sligh...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
$5,200 / set
H 35.25 in W 25.75 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Reclining High-Back Lounge Chairs, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of mid-century modern reclining high-back lounge chairs crafted in the United States during the 1960s, blending sculptural design with exceptional comfort. Built with beautifull...
Metal
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
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
Oak, Leather
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 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...
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
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