Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen armchairs

This is a rare pair of armchairs designed by the Danish architects Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen in 1952, and produced by cabinetmaker Willy Beck in Copenhagen. The frames are constructed from solid rosewood, a dense and richly grained hardwood with a deep reddish-brown hue and characteristic dark streaking. The chairs are upholstered in their original black leather, which has aged with a gentle patina and shows minor signs of use consistent with careful handling and preservation.

The design exemplifies the Danish modernist ethos of the mid-20th century, where function, proportion, and material quality were paramount. The silhouette is defined by clean lines and a sculptural form, with a gently curved backrest that merges seamlessly into the tapering arm supports. The overall construction emphasizes craftsmanship, with visible joinery and smoothly finished transitions between elements. The ergonomic balance between the backward-sloping backrest and the subtly curved seat reflects a thoughtful approach to both aesthetics and comfort.

Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen were prominent figures in the Danish design movement, known for their collaborative works that embraced the principles of simplicity and clarity. Their designs often focused on the interaction of organic materials and functional elegance, producing refined and enduring forms. The partnership with cabinetmaker Willy Beck further ensured that the highest standards of craftsmanship were maintained, with Beck’s workshop being one of the key producers of Danish furniture design during the golden age of Scandinavian modernism.

The chairs are in good vintage condition, with a well-preserved structure and surface. The leather has developed a soft sheen and minor wear, while the rosewood frames remain stable and vibrant in grain.

The dimensions are 64 cm wide, 52 cm deep, and 81 cm high, with a seat height of 44 cm. In imperial units, the measurements are approximately 25.2 inches wide, 20.5 inches deep, and 31.9 inches high, with a seat height of 17.3 inches.