Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Danish designers Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell and produced in Denmark during the 1950s. The chairs exhibit a masterful balance between organic shaping and structural elegance, hallmarks of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Both chairs feature sculptural, dark-stained beech frames with a flowing profile characterized by softly curved armrests, subtly tapered legs, and gracefully arched seat supports. The craftsmanship of the joinery and the fluidity of the woodwork are consistent with high-quality Danish cabinetmaking of the period.

The seating forms differ slightly in profile, with one chair constructed with a lower backrest and the other in a high-back variant. Both share a wide, winged back that extends outward in a butterfly-like silhouette, providing visual lightness and ergonomic support. The chairs have been newly reupholstered in luxurious, natural sheepskin, which adds tactile warmth and accentuates the chairs organic lines. The upholstery is completed with leather-covered buttons that add a subtle textural contrast and a traditional nod to classic Danish upholstery techniques. The natural tones of the sheepskin complement the rich, warm brown hue of the beechwood frames, creating a harmonious material palette.

Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell were active in Denmark during the 1940s and 50s and are known for their elegant and expressive lounge chair designs. Their work often features biomorphic forms and dynamic silhouettes, combining comfort with sculptural artistry. Pieces by the duo are relatively rare and are sought after for their distinctive visual character and quality of construction.

The chairs are in excellent condition, both structurally and visually, with the upholstery being freshly redone and the wooden frames showing minimal wear. They retain their original proportions and integrity, and the finish has been well-preserved.

The dimensions of the low-back chair are 68 cm wide, 85 cm deep, and 95 cm high, with a seat height of 41 cm. The high-back chair measures 68 cm in width, 90 cm in depth, and 100 cm in height, also with a seat height of 41 cm. In imperial units, the low-back chair corresponds to approximately 26.8 inches wide, 33.5 inches deep, and 37.4 inches high, with a seat height of 16.1 inches. The high-back version measures 26.8 inches in width, 35.4 inches in depth, and 39.4 inches in height.