Madsen & Schubell Highback Chair in Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s (sold)
Madsen & Schubell Highback Chair in Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s (sold)
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, merging traditional woodworking skills with the evolving aesthetics of modern design. Danish furniture from this era often emphasized organic shapes and luxurious materials to create pieces that invited relaxation and warmth to create hygge. This period highlighted human-centred design, where functionality and elegance were deeply intertwined.
The frame is made of solid wood with an ergonomic shape. The shell-shaped high backrest is tilted, while the seat is slightly raised towards the front to ensure sitting comfort. The distinctive armrests are curvilinear and widen in the middle for optimal support. Thanks to the creative design, the seat appears to be floating atop the chestnut-coloured frame. The chair and cushion have been reupholstered in premium sheepskin, providing comfort both visually and physically. The sheepskin used for the upholstery is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It elevates the shape of the chair, especially its back. The pairing of this sculptural frame with the soft upholstery creates a stylish, modern look. The majority of Madsen & Schubell’s chair models were designed by Henry Hans Schubell and produced in the joint company with Arnold Madsen in Copenhagen. Under licence, some models were produced by Vik & Blindheim in Norway, and Bovenkamp in the Netherlands.
This chair encapsulates the timeless charm of mid-century design. The harmony of craftsmanship, the materials and the design makes this chair ideal for any interior and style. Through its comfort, and enduring elegance, this chair commands appreciation for its designers.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been recently reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.3 in W x 29.15 in D x 27.16 in H ; Seat height 14.8 in
82 cm W x 74 cm D x 69 cm H ; Seat height 37.5 cm
About the designer:
Henry Hans Schubell was born on February 23. 1906 in Elsinore, Denmark. After completing school, he became an apprentice cabinetmaker in Elsinore. After 5 years he finished his apprenticeship, and was awarded a medal for his work. When he turned 20, he moved to Copenhagen, where he worked for various cabinetmakers. In 1929, at the age of 23, he was employed as a foreman at the cabinetmakers “Winter & Winding, where he supervised the production of furniture until 1945.
In 1944, the firm received a request from an upholsterer named Arnold Madsen, who had an idea for a chair. Madsen was having difficulties finding a cabinet maker with the required skills to do the woodwork based on Madsen’s little plaster model. Henry Schubell succeeded in producing the wooden frame, making it possible for the chair to be put into production. Arnold Madsen was so impressed by his work that he suggested to form a partnership where Henry Schubell would design the furniture and produce the wooden frames, which Arnold Madsen would then upholster and market. The workshop was realised in the inner city of Copenhagen, in a backyard, at Gothersgade 158B. Their joint venture was named “Madsen & Schubell”.
The cooperation between Henry Schubell and Arnold Madsen was so successful that they purchased a factory building, situated at the address, Biblioteksvej 55, on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Over the next 20 years, the company produced several successful models, most of which were designed by Henry Schubell. Some of these chairs were licensed to the Norwegian company Vik & Blindheim and to the Dutch company Bovenkamp.
The cooperation between the two ended in 1963, and by mutual agreement, Arnold Madsen established his new upholstery firm under the name “Madsen og Schubell”, in cooperation with his son, Ib Madsen. In the 1970s, Ib took over the company which still ran under the name Madsen & Schubell causing some confusion about the attribution of Madsen & Schubell models. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Finnish designer, Carin Lisa Johansson-Pape, was among the most significant Finnish designers in the second half of the 1900s. She designed made for Stockmann and participated in New York’s World Fair of 1939 and the Milan Triennial IX. The 1940s marked a golden era for interior design, amidst a booming economy and a newfound sense of optimism. Designers like Johansson-Pape sought to create furniture that felt both modern and human, moving away from the stark metal and glass of the machine age toward objects that could bring warmth and comfort to domestic life.
The design of this pair is full of modern energy that has, and surely will continue to endure for generations thanks to its classic look, quality materials and evident quality of the craftsmanship. Chairs are often considered especially revealing of a designer's skill because of the strict limits placed on their design by the demands of the human body. With these chairs, Johansson-Pape arrived at a clearly-structured solution in which a high degree of coherence is maintained while the chairs appear visually light and open. She followed the mid-century modern philosophy guided by functionality and simplicity. The elegance and honesty of the frames is enhanced by the upholstery which complements both the shape and wooden legs gracefully. The streamlined body and soft fabric create not only a modern and elegant look, but also allows great comfort. The dark colour of the wood contrasts with the sheepskin upholstery creating visual interest while maintaining the perfect aesthetic balance of the chairs. This complementing nature can also be felt on a textural level, with sheepskin adding a tactile dimension through its soft, fluffy appearance, while the tapered legs add a modern, smooth feel.
Quality materials, organic curvature and innovative shape define the design of this pair. With the power to offer feelings of cosiness and comfort, these timeless chairs sit as well in contemporary spaces as they did in 1940s Finnish homes.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lounge chairs have recently been reconditioned. The wood has some scratches and stains. Due to the age and nature of the sheepskin, the chairs may have marks and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.92 in W x 29.53 in D x 29.53 in H; Seat depth 22.05 in
76 cm W x 75 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat depth 56 cm