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
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 Adrian Pearsall, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ib Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
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
$3,191 / 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
$4,103 / set
H 40.56 in W 33.08 in D 30.71 in
Pair of Henry Kjærnulf Lounge Chairs in Oak, Nyrup Møbelfabrik 1970s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Balen, BE
Discover a rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Henry Kjærnulf, masterfully crafted by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in Denmark. These chairs are a testament to Kjærnulf's expression, combinin...
Oak
Illum Wikkelsø - Leather Lounge Chair Danish Design, 1960s
By Ryesberg Møbler, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Illum Wikkelsø - Leather Lounge Chair Danish Design, 1960s This distinctive lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø embodies the essence of Scandinavian design with its refined aesthetics an...
Steel
$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
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
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
$2,895
H 30 in W 28.5 in D 31 in
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Oakwood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Springs ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Fabric, Wood, 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, Beech
$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
$14,400 / set
H 39 in W 28.5 in D 37 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Palomino Sheepskin & Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig freshly upholstered in hand sewn rich Oatmeal / Ivory Shearling. An early Mid Century Scandinavian ...
Sheepskin, Walnut
$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
$7,259 / set
H 29.5 in W 23 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Lounge Chair, Solid Beech & Cane, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural icon of Danish modernism, this rare lounge chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen pairs a lyrical frame with a transparent, light-as-air seat. Crafted in solid beech that has been pro...
Cane, Beech
$877
H 31.89 in W 23.63 in D 23.23 in
1960s, Danish cocktail lounge chair, jacquard fabric, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish cocktail lounge chair. Beige furniture jacquard fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Chair was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-20 years ago. Very good cond...
Jacquard, 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, Teak
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
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 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 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
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
Sold
H 40.56 in W 26.78 in D 33.08 in
Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell Easy Chairs Produced by Madsen & Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark. Dimensions low-back (W x D x H): 68 x 84 x 94 cm, SH: 45 cm. Dimensions hig...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Henry Schubell Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Madsen & Schubell lounge chair with ottoman. Upholstered with red wool. Frame of teak. Made by Madsen & Schubell.
Leather, Oak
Madsen & Schubell Reclining Lounge Chair w/ Otto for Povl Dinesen
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A finely crafted dark teak wood framed lounge chair with sculptural armrests and winged styled backrest with matching ottoman reupholstered in a wool blend Danish steel gray blue fab...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 39.38 in W 28.75 in D 35.44 in
Lounge Chair and Footstool 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, made from rosewood with sheepskin upholstery. Generous size and beautiful wooden details, like the armrests encirc...
Sheepskin, Rosewood
Henry Schubell Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Madsen & Schubell lounge chair with ottoman. Upholstered with red wool. Frame of teak. Made by Madsen & Schubell.
Leather, Oak