“Clam Chair" in Light Sheepskin by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark 1944

“Clam Chair" in Light Sheepskin by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark 1944

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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur

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This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by many as one of the most attractive chairs of Nordic Design. At the same time, this chair is arguably also the most mysterious piece on the Danish furniture market.

The model has a rather perplexing history, and has been attributed to several designers before, the latest being the Danish architect Phillip Arctander. However, recent research revealed that the “Clam” is the model that in fact started the story of Madsen & Schubell. Arnold Madsen designed this model in 1944 in his small basement workshop in Gothersgade, Copenhagen.

This chair has a characteristic organic shape with soft curves, perched 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 round armrests compliment the overall round feel of the chair. The seat is slightly raised towards the front, while the back is tilted to provide great sitting comfort. The seat and back are covered in light sheepskin, adding to the soft and cosy feel of this “Clam”. Interestingly, Hans Schubell invented the special connecting piece of this chair, formed from only one piece of wood. The rest of the seat and backrest were glued to this single piece.

In 1944, the chair was already exhibited in conjunction with the presentation of the newly opened furniture store NY FORM A/S in Copenhagen, which sold the leading design of the day. In 1945, the Clam went into serial production as the first model of the new furniture company Madsen & Schubell and many well-known stores soon included Madsen & Schubell in their product range. Illums Bolighus was one of them, as were the Messen department store and the Copenhagen furniture store Nordisk Staal-og-Møbel Central. In 1953, Madsen & Schubell sold the licence of the chair to the Norwegian company Vik and Blindheim.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in light sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

26.38 in W x 33.27 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Arm height 22.64 in

67 cm W x 84.5 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 57.5 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 cabinetmaker 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 forming 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 realized in the inner city of Copenhagen, and their joint venture was named “Madsen & Schubell”.

The cooperation between Henry Schubell and Arnold Madsen was so successful that they purchased a factory building 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.

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

The first half of the 20th century saw the rise of brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. Danish cabinetmakers sought to combine comfort and elegance to achieve timeless designs that remain iconic examples of style and skill to this day.

This upholstered armchair proves the success of the cabinetmaker’s pursuit. The craftsmanship is an immediately distinguishable; the chair’s sleek, yet classic look features a high back which is wide at the top but tapers in to draw the eye, highlighting two rows of tufted upholstered buttons. Not only is the body generously padded, but the slightly rounded backrest, as well as the tilted seat increase comfort even further. The chair is upholstered in a soft white sheepskin fabric, providing the piece with a luxurious and textured feel, while contrasting the oak frame. The open and angular armrests complement the rounded plushness of the body, along with the simple tapered legs. The combination of the clean, honest design, high-quality materials, and understated sophistication makes this piece a standout example of Scandinavian furniture.

Danish cabinetmakers were, and are still world-renowned for their unmatched skill. This chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship, while creating a warm and welcoming look through the use of natural materials.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reconditioned and has recently been 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:

28.74 in W x 31.1 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 28.74 in; Arm height 24.01 in

73 cm W x 79 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 73 cm; Arm height 61 cm

Pair of “Laila” Armchairs in Sheepskin Upholstery by Ilmari Lappalainen (Attr.) for Asko, Finland 1950s

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.

This pair of armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.

Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.

Condition:

In good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the chairs may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have been reupholstered recently 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:

32.67 in W x 34.64 in D x 34.44 in H; Seat height 17.71 in

83 cm W x 88 cm D x 87.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm

Pair of Svante Skogh Easy Chairs for Förenade Möbelfabrikerna, Sweden 1950s

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

This pair of spectacular armchairs by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh, is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure, these chairs deserve the limelight in Swedish design history.

These chairs combine function and aesthetic in a striking manner, keeping the form in service of the user while keeping it elegant and modern. The union of the shell-shaped body and the back legs’ structure define this model. While made of entirely different materials, their lines manage to resemble and complement each other, resulting in a harmonious appearance. The back legs not only support the bodies, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clear lined frame of this pair contrasts beautifully with the angled seating and gives the pair an open and very photographic appearance. The armrests’ black paint is a small, but ingenious detail, that highlights their form and create a focal point. Due to the well-chosen proportions, angled back, and the high-quality of the design, the chairs are very comfortable.

In Sweden, “svensk design” (Swedish design) in particular operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, cabinetmakers, like Förenade Möbelfabrikerna, put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making these chairs timeless in every sense of the word.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The black paint has partially worn off with time. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

26.77 in W x 32.28 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 15.35 in

68 cm W x 82 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 39 cm

Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair in Warm Sheepskin, Denmark ca 1950s

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

Strongly influenced by the functional forms of the Bauhaus school in Germany, Danish designers led the way in furniture design during the 1950s. They combined the inspiration brought by new industrial technologies with minimalist design. This style became so influential that it is recognized as a design movement in itself, entitled Danish Design with a subgroup known as Danish Modern.

Danish Modern focused more on the aesthetics of modern design whilst employing the exquisite technique and material familiarity of highly skilled craftsmen such as cabinetmakers. This armchair is a great example of the style with its clean and pure lines coupled with craftsmanship and delicate research into proportions, materials and the requirements of the human body. Adopting the trend of abandoning ornamentation to benefit the form, this chair’s designer and manufacturer both maintained the beauty and warmth inherent to traditional Danish cabinetmaking. The body has gentle, rounded lines that are visible even through the luscious upholstery. The round edges even apply to the wooden feet in the front, which are referred to as “bun feet” which is a shape of a flattened sphere. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden feet as well. Sheepskin is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It elevates the sheer size and shape of the chair, especially around the edges.

From every single angle, this armchair offers stunning lines and a rich texture. Above all, Danish designers believed that design could certainly be used to improve people's lives. Looking at this armchair, this was evidently and too far-fetched ideal.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently 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:

31.88 in W x 40.15 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 16.53 in

81 cm W x 102 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 42 cm

Danish Cabinetmaker Lounge Chair with Sheepskin Upholstery, Denmark 1940s

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and users. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Danish furniture makers, and this chair shows why.

Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair is a Danish delicacy with a unique look. With its classic shape paired with modern design elements, it combines the best design characteristics of the 1940s. The large, enveloping backrest dictates the shape of this chair, as it forms most of the structure, including the armrests. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the soft sheepskin upholstery. The inside of the upholstered back is sectioned which creates a shell-like look. The thick, bun feet-like front legs are a pleasant touch. The warm brown colour of the stained wood nicely contrasts to the off-white sheepskin, not to mention the thick wooden feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair. The chair’s back legs differ, they are straight, which is an eccentric detail that adds visual interest. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritising comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.

Perfectly suited for a vintage or contemporary interior, this chair represents a marriage of artistry and comfort. Its upholstery captures attention, adding warmth and vibrancy to any space, while the wooden feet are grounding, together making this piece into an ideal statement piece.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have additional discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

34.25 in W x 33.46 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 14.56 in

87 cm W x 85 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 37 cm