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.
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Armchair in Navy Pierre Frey Velvet, Denmark, 1950s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
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
Arnold Madsen ‘Clam’ Chair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
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
Early Danish Mid Century Wooden Sheepskin "Clam Chair" by Arnold Madsen, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and iconic Danish mid century "clam chair" in natural stained beech wood and white sheepskin designed by Arnold Madsen in 1944 and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark...
Sheepskin, Beech
Arnold Madsen Rare Pair of Ivory Sheepskin Shearling Clam Chairs 1944
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell rare pair of "Clam" lounge chairs or armchairs in ivory curly sheepskin, Denmark, 1944. This exquisite and iconic pair of Clam lounge...
Bouclé, Birch
Arnold Madsen ‘Clam’ Chair in Sheepskin, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
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
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell Rare Pair of Clam Chairs, Denmark, 1944
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, rare pair of "Clam" lounge chairs or armchairs in ivory bouclé, Denmark, 1944. This iconic chair design features beautifully hand...
Bouclé, Birch
Model MS-6 Armchair by Madsen & Schübell for Vik & Blindheim, Denmark 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell, Vik & Blindheim
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
The iconic MS-6 lounge chair by Arnold Madsen and Henry Schubell is a refined example of Danish craftsmanship and sculptural mid-century design. Designed and produced in Denmark duri...
Wool, Linen, Beech
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
$20,937
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 31.5 in
Vintage "Clam” rocking chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, 1944.
By Arnold Madsen
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Iconic Clam chair designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944. This example is a vintage original armchair produced in the 40's in danemark. The chair has ...
Sheepskin, Elm
Sheepskin Clam Chairs by Arnold Madsen - New Edition
By Arnold Madsen
Located in London, England
Official Re-Edition of the iconic Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen. The Clam Chair was designed in 1944 in Copenhagen by Danish upholsterer Arn...
Sheepskin, Fabric, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut
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, Teak
1950s Danish Modern Sculptural Velvet Lounge Armchair
Located in Praha, CZ
Elegant Danish Modern lounge armchair dating from the 1950s, distinguished by its sculptural curved silhouette, generous proportions and original striped velvet upholstery in rich du...
Fabric, Wood, 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
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-launch the Clam Chair ...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Arnold Madsen Sheepskin Clam Chair & Stool
By Arnold Madsen
Located in London, England
Official Re-Edition of the iconic Clam Chair & Stool by Arnold Madsen. The Clam Chair was designed in 1944 in Copenhagen by Danish upholsterer Arnold Madsen. In 1945 Arnold founded ...
Sheepskin, Fabric, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut
Re-Edition Boucle Clam Chair 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-launch the Clam Chair ...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Re-Edition Sheepskin Clam Chair 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-launch the Clam Chair - one of the most cheris...
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Sold
H 35.44 in W 26.38 in D 28.15 in
Mette Armchair by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell for Bovenkamp Denmark 1960s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Kampen, NL
The Mette armchair, designed by Arnold Madsen and Henry Schubell for Bovenkamp between 1960 and 1969, is a striking example of Danish modern design. Crafted with an elegant oak frame...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Madsen and Schubell Brown Leather Swivel Chair
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in London, GB
This Model 68 swivel chair by Madsen & Schubell was designed in the 1960s. Upholstered in supple, deeply patinated brown leather, the chair features a generously contoured seat and h...
Leather, Wood
vintage Bovenkamp coffee table 60's
By Arnold Madsen, Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage Bovenkamp coffee table 60's period 60's design Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell Bovenkamp The Netherlands condition good light signs of use size 47 x 99 x 70 (hxwxd) ...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's
By Arnold Madsen, Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's period 60's design Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell Bovenkamp The Netherlands condition good light signs o...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's
By Arnold Madsen, Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's period 60's design Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell Bovenkamp The Netherlands condition good light signs o...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's
By Arnold Madsen, Bovenkamp, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage Bovenkamp armchair armchair 60's period 60's design Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell Bovenkamp The Netherlands condition good light signs of use size 85 x 65 x 80 (hx...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
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H 31.5 in W 30.32 in D 35.44 in
Arnold Madsen Mid Century Armchair "Clam Chair" by Madsen Schubell Denmark 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and iconic armchair model "clam chair" by Arnold Madsen produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark 1940s. In great condition fully restored and newly upholstered in dark grey...
Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 31.11 in W 26.38 in D 29.53 in
Lounge Chair, Model MS6, in Teak by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Hellouw, NL
This beautiful and comfortable chair was designed in the 1950s by Arnold Madsen and Henry Schubell. The teak frame has acquired a beautiful patina over the years. A golden glow break...
Fabric, Teak
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell Rare Clam Chair, Denmark, 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in New York, NY
Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell rare Clam chair with beech arms and legs and upholstered in ivory bouclé with camel leather buttons on back and seat, Denmark, 1944. This iconic Clam chair has 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. This original exquisite Madsen Clam...
Bouclé, Birch
Sold
H 39.38 in W 33.47 in D 36.62 in
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
Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen in Sheepskin, Denmark, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare easy chair (also known as Clam Chair) designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, 1940s. Perhaps one of the rarest examples of Danish craftsmanship and a rare piece to come to market, this armless Clam Chair...
Sheepskin, Wood
Sold
H 37.01 in W 31.11 in D 33.47 in
1960s Madsen and Schubell Black Leather Reclining Chair and Stool, Denmark
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good/very good original condition with minor signs of use - Height of seat 37 cm - Leather in very good condition - Stool dimensions: 38 x 60 x 48cm.
Leather, Wood