A powerhouse duo in Danish furniture design throughout the mid-20th century, Henry Hans Schubell and Arnold Madsen collaborated as Madsen & Schubell with Dutch company Bovenkamp and Vik & Blindheim on a range of furnishings and created memorable lounge chairs, armchairs 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. (At some point, Ib also traded under the name Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell.)
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 and Schubell accented natural wood grains with soft lambswool and sheepskin for a variety of comfortable seating.
Find vintage Madsen & Schubell Clam chairs and other seating on 1stDibs.
Arnold Madsen ‘Clam’ Chair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare ‘Clam’ chair, designed by Arnold Madsen. Produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, 1940s. Legs in beech, recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 89 c...
Sheepskin, Beech
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Armchair in Navy Pierre Frey Velvet, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen, La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell and produced in Denmark in the 1950s. The model is a variant of their iconic Pragh armchair, designed in 1948....
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,560Sale Price|60% Off
Midcentury Danish Modern Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman by Madsen & Schubell
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury Danish Modern brown Buffalo leather lounge chair and ottoman by Madsen & Schubell. Leather has woven leather stitching. Danish modern chair and ottoman. Teak wood base...
Chrome
Rare pair of Clam chairs by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark 1944
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Ranst, VAN
A rare pair of Clam chairs designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944. Featuring sculptural beechwood arms and legs, these iconic chairs are upholstered in real s...
Sheepskin, Wool, Beech
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
Madsen & Schubell Highback Chair in Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare model of Danish design duo Madsen and Schubell is a great example of Danish mid-century modern design. The 1950s in Denmark saw a renewed focus on comfort and craftsmanship...
Sheepskin, Wood
MS68 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Madsen & Schubell, 1960s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Praha, CZ
Adjustable Mid-Century lounge chair with matching ottoman designed by Madsen & Schubell, model MS68, produced by Bovenkamp in Denmark in the 1960s. This iconic Scandinavian moder...
Metal
Arnold Madsen ‘Clam’ Chair in Sheepskin, 1940s
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare Danish armless 'Clam' chair, designed by Arnold Madsen (1907-1989). Produced by Madsen & Schubell in the 1940s. Made from wood, seat is newly u...
Sheepskin, Wood
$7,098
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Oak
Lounge Chair by IB Madsen & A. Schubell for Bovenkamp, 1954 No.1
By Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Berlin, DE
This stunning lounge chair, designed by Danish designers Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell for Bovenkamp in 1954 is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. The chair features a s...
Bouclé, Oak, Teak
Lounge Chair by IB Madsen & A. Schubell for Bovenkamp, 1954 No.2
By Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Berlin, DE
This stunning lounge chair, designed by Danish designers Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell for Bovenkamp in 1954 is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. The chair features a s...
Bouclé, Oak, Teak
Madsen & Schubell, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige mohair fabric stool produced by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear to wood legs consistent with vintage age and normal use. Reupholstered in brand new mohai...
Mohair, Wood
Madsen & Schubell Leather Modular Corner Sofa, C. 1960s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a remarkable Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell leather modular sofa, a quintessential example of refined Scandinavian design from the 1960s. This sofa, embodying the era's emphasi...
Leather, Suede, Beech
$17,500
Henry Schubell Arm Chairs
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Great pair of Henry Schubell Arm Chairs, Denmark 1960's Angular wood frame with slatted backs and finger joinery detail Newly upholstered in belgian cut velvet and original headre...
Teak, Fabric
20th Century Danish Vintage Beech Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen & Schubell
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, vintage Mid-Century modern Danish "Clam" chair made of hand crafted Beechwood designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, in good condition. The Scandinavian armch...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schübel Mid Century Danish Clam Chair
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schübel Mid Century Danish Clam Chair This lounge chair measures: 23.5 wide x 32 deep x 33.5 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance...
Upholstery, Wood
Arnold Madsen Rare Pair of Ivory Sheepskin Shearling Clam Chairs 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in New York, NY
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell rare pair of Clam chairs with birch arms and legs and newly upholstered in luxurious ivory curly sheepskin or shearling adorned with camel lea...
Bouclé, Birch
Madsen & Schubell, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige mohair fabric stool produced by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, c. 1950s. Minimal signs of wear to wood legs. Reupholstered in brand new mohair. Overall Dimensions (in...
Mohair, Wood
Pair of Lounge Chairs by IB Madsen & A. Schubell for Bovenkamp, 1954
By Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful pair of lounge chairs designed by the Danish Designers Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell for Bovenkamp, 1954. The pair is in excellent condition. They were newly reupholstered ...
Bouclé, Oak, Teak
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell Rare Pair of Clam Chairs, Denmark, 1944
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in New York, NY
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell rare pair of Clam chairs with beech arms and legs and upholstered in ivory bouclé with camel leather buttons on back and seat, Denmark. 1944. These iconic Clam chairs have a characteristic organic shape with soft curves throughout including gently curved back, seat, and arms, and resting 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 back is slightly tilted while the seat is slightly raised towards the front to provide conformity to the body and great comfort. These original exquisite Madsen Clam chairs...
Bouclé, Birch
Arnold Madsen Madsen and Schubell MCM MS-30 Danish Teak Easy Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell Mid Century MS-30 Danish Teak Easy Lounge Chair The chair measures: 31 wide x 35 deep x 40 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height/c...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,651
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Oak
$1,287Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish Design by Madsen & Schubell, Swivel Armchair, Footstool, Wool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design by Madsen & Schubell from about 1970s, swivel armchair and footstool, loose cushions. Adjustable tilt. Beige, brown furniture wo...
Steel
$7,098
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pragh Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Madsen & Schubell
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very good early example of this classic Scandinavian Modern design lounge chair and footstool by Madsen & Schubell, freshly reupholstered in white boucle and with cognac leather b...
Teak
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Wood, Oak
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$5,943
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
A. Madsen and H. Schubell “Kirsten” lounge chairs Bovenkamp Netherlands 1960
By Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This beautiful shaped pair of Kirsten lounge chairs was designed by A. Madsen and H. Schubell and produced by Bovenkamp, The Netherlands, circa 1960. A refined example of Dutch mid-c...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Madsen & Schubell, Stool, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric stool produced by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.75"H x 22.75"W x 14.4"D All upholstered furniture can be re...
Fabric, Wood
Lounge Chairs by Madsen & Schubell, 1950s, Set of 2
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Pair of mid-century lounge chairs by Madsen & Schubell, designed in Denmark in the 1950s. Crafted in stained beech, the chairs feature a distinctive floating wingback and seat, frame...
Beech
Madsen & Schubell, Stool, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric stool produced by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.75"H x 23.0"W x 15.0"D A...
Fabric, Wood
$4,787
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Walnut
$7,263
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Oak
1970s, Danish design by Madsen & Schubell, adjustable footstool, original.
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Madsen & Schubell. Footstool in original very good condition: no smells and no stains, stable construction. Original brown furniture leather, nubuck leather, ...
Leather, Teak
$2,971
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Walnut
$6,108
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Walnut
$5,943
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut, Leather
$1,816
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Walnut
$1,486
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Oak
$7,098
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Oak
Arnold Madsen and Schubell MS30 Highback Recliner Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Arnold Madsen and Schubell MS20 Highback Lounge Chair Recliner and Ottoman. Chair reclines to other positions or locks in place. Ottoman is also adjustable. Made in Denmark. Ori...
Fabric, Wood
$5,943
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Walnut, Oak, Wool, Textile, Sheepskin, Leather
$2,971
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Walnut
$5,943
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$2,806
Pragh Footstool
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Wood, Oak, Sheepskin
$4,787
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Walnut
$4,292
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$4,787
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Wood, Walnut
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Wool, Oak
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Oak, Wood
$5,943
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$4,457
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Walnut
$4,292
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$4,457
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Textile, Walnut
$7,098
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Sheepskin, Oak
$4,292
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut
$4,622
Pragh Lounge Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Viby J, DK
The Pragh Chair, designed in the 1940s by renowned Danish craftsman Henry Hans Schubell, stands as an enduring symbol of Scandinavian elegance and comfort. With its organic curves an...
Leather, Sheepskin, Textile, Wool, Oak, Walnut