Arnold Johan Madsen was a Danish furniture designer best known for creating the iconic "Clam" chair, one of the most enigmatic pieces of Danish Modern design. Born in Sønderlev, Denmark, as one of six children of the shoemaker Mads Madsen and his wife Anna. His father valued a good education for his children and sent all his sons to be apprenticed as craftsmen. His path to becoming a designer was unconventional—he first worked as a sailor and later spent time in the United States before pursuing an apprenticeship in upholstery in Denmark.
In 1941, Madsen opened his first workshop in Copenhagen, where he began experimenting with furniture design. His breakthrough came in 1944 when he created the Clam chair, inspired by the shape of an open mussel. Lacking formal training in design, Madsen created the initial model in plaster, and after overcoming challenges with carpentry, he partnered with young cabinetmaker Henry Schubell to bring the chair to life. The chair was a success, and Madsen & Schubell was founded in 1945, producing the Clam as their first model.
The Clam's design was unlike any other contemporary piece, with its unique rounded backrest, club legs, and casual seating angle, which made it both playful and practical. The chair became an immediate sales success, and Madsen's designs attracted international attention. In the 1950s and 1960s, he expanded his reach with licensing agreements in Norway and the Netherlands.
Though Madsen's collaboration with Schubell ended in the 1960s, he continued his work with his son Ib, founding a new upholstery workshop. Madsen passed away in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of innovative, comfortable furniture. Despite the Clam's initial obscurity, it has since gained recognition as one of the most significant pieces of mid-century Danish design.
