Arnold Madsen easy chairs

This very rare pair of Clam easy chairs, designed in 1944 by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, stands as an iconic embodiment of Danish mid-century design. Long misattributed to other prominent designers such as Viggo Boesen and Philip Arctander, the Clam Chair has since been definitively recognized as the work of Arnold Madsen—a revelation that underscores his innovative contributions to Scandinavian modernism.

The chairs feature sculptural, rounded frames crafted from solid elm, known for its warm, golden tone and distinct, flowing grain. The wood has been shaped with precision into organic curves that suggest movement and softness, echoing the rounded form of a seashell—hence the name “Clam.” The frames incorporate subtle details such as tapered legs and gently splayed angles, enhancing both stability and visual lightness.

Generous upholstery rests atop the wooden structure, newly reupholstered in long-haired sheepskin that envelops the seat and backrest in a natural, luxurious texture. The sheepskin, in a palette of natural gray and cream, adds depth and visual variation while emphasizing the tactile qualities that define the chair’s appeal. The plushness of the sheepskin combined with the enveloping form of the chair offers exceptional comfort, making the Clam chair as functional as it is visually distinctive.

The design is a masterclass in contrasts—soft and hard, structured and relaxed. The thick cushioning is cradled within the wooden frame, a technique that was pioneering for the time and has influenced countless lounge chair designs since.

Condition is excellent. The elm frames retain their original finish, exhibiting only minor marks consistent with age and careful use. The reupholstered sheepskin is in pristine condition, professionally applied to preserve the chair’s original proportions and expressive character.

Arnold Madsen (1907–1989) was a Danish upholsterer and furniture designer whose innovative vision merged craftsmanship with sculptural form. In collaboration with cabinetmaker Henry Schubell, Madsen established Madsen & Schubell, a firm that would go on to produce some of the most important pieces of postwar Danish design. The Clam chair is widely regarded as their most significant creation—a piece that remains highly sought after by collectors and design institutions worldwide.

Dimensions (each chair):
78 cm width × 90 cm depth × 80 cm height × 38 cm seat height
In inches:
30.7 in × 35.4 in × 31.5 in × 15.0 in seat height