Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen dining chairs
This is a rare set of six dining chairs designed by Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen, produced by renowned cabinetmaker Willy Beck in Denmark in 1952. These chairs exemplify the refinement and structural honesty that define mid-century Danish furniture, merging graceful form with high-quality traditional craftsmanship.The chairs are constructed from solid teak, with a sculptural frame that emphasizes verticality and lightness. The legs are slightly tapered, and the rear legs are gently canted to support the backrest with an almost architectural precision. The backrests and seats are upholstered in original black leather, which remains supple and visually rich, showing expected patina from use that affirms their authenticity and vintage integrity.
Each seat is subtly contoured to enhance ergonomic comfort, while the curved backrest provides substantial support without visual heaviness. The transition between the wooden frame and the upholstery is clean and seamless, highlighting the fine craftsmanship characteristic of Beck’s workshop. The maker’s label is still intact beneath the seat, indicating its origin and verifying the designers’ attribution.
Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen were prominent Danish designers who trained under Kaare Klint and carried forward his legacy of functional aesthetics and deep respect for materials. Their collaborative designs are celebrated for their elegance, balance, and user-focused comfort. Willy Beck’s cabinetmaking studio was known for its exceptional execution of custom and small-series designs, particularly those by Madsen & Larsen, which today are regarded as collector-grade pieces.
This set remains in good vintage condition with visible wear to the leather and minor surface marks on the wood, all consistent with careful use over several decades. Structurally, the chairs are sound, and all joints remain tight and intact.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 50.5 / D: 49 / H: 77.5 / Seat H: 43 |
Producer | Willy Beck |
Color | Black |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Leather, Teak |
Designed in | 1952 |
Item Number | 126394 |
Aksel Bender Madsen
Ejner Larsen