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Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell Armchairs

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
Madsen & Schubell, Wingback Lounge Chair & Stool in Teak, Reupholstered, 1950s
Madsen & Schubell, Wingback Lounge Chair & Stool in Teak, Reupholstered, 1950s

Madsen & Schubell, Wingback Lounge Chair & Stool in Teak, Reupholstered, 1950s

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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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This easy chair was designed by Acton Schubell and Ib Madsen in the 1950s. It features a beech frame and is newly upholstered in leather. Scandinavian Modern/Mid-Century Modern.

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Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell, Lounge Chair, Sheepskin, wood, for UK client
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A high back lounge chair / armchair. Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Produced in Denmark, 1950s. The designers mixes typical mid-century aesthetics with organic form. Listi...

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

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Sheepskin, Beech, Teak

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

Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by A.P. Stolen, Kristian Solmer Vedel, and Niels Koefoed. Prices for Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,660 and can go as high as $27,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,250.