Arnold Madsen easy chairs

This rare and iconic pair of Clam Easy Chairs, designed by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, stands among the most distinctive and collectible pieces in Scandinavian mid-century design. Originally introduced in 1944, the Clam Chair reflects a formative moment in Danish furniture history—where post-war sensibilities met a growing interest in organic form, tactility, and comfort.

Long misattributed to designers such as Viggo Boesen and Philip Arctander, these chairs have only recently been definitively credited to Arnold Madsen, following extensive archival research and authentication by design historians. This renewed attribution has elevated the historical significance of the Clam Chair, positioning it not only as a sculptural statement piece but also as an important milestone in the evolution of Danish modernism.

The design is characterized by a sensuous, shell-like profile with generously curved lines that embrace the sitter. The low, rounded seat and arched backrest resemble an open clamshell, giving the chair both its name and its unmistakable silhouette. The frames are crafted from dark stained wood, with smoothly contoured legs and sculpted armrests that provide visual rhythm and structural elegance. The craftsmanship is precise yet organic, blending refined joinery with a distinctly naturalistic form.

This particular pair has been expertly restored and reupholstered in ivory-toned sheepskin, a material that enhances the chair’s tactile and visual softness while referencing the use of natural textiles prevalent in Scandinavian design. The sheepskin upholstery is paired with brown leather buttons that accentuate the tufted structure and lend a subtle contrast in tone and texture. The upholstery work respects the original design language, adhering to proportions and techniques that preserve the chairs’ historical integrity.

The wood frames are in exceptional vintage condition, retaining their rich tone and finish with minimal signs of wear. The patina adds depth and character, reflecting the chairs’ mid-20th-century origins without compromising their structural stability or visual clarity.

Arnold Madsen (1907–1989), though less widely known than some of his contemporaries, played a crucial role in shaping postwar Danish furniture through his collaborations and his own designs under Madsen & Schubell. His work is noted for its focus on comfort, innovative construction methods, and sculptural form—all of which are embodied in the Clam Chair. As design appreciation has deepened and attribution research has progressed, Madsen’s reputation has grown significantly, and his works—particularly the Clam Chair—are now considered highly desirable among collectors and design connoisseurs.