Arnold Madsen

rnold Madsen (1907-1989) is one of the best kept secrets of the Danish Modern era, despite the fact that some of his furniture pieces today have classic status. Arnold Madsen was an atypical representative of Danish modernism. He had neither studied architecture, nor was he a trained furniture designer or cabinetmaker. And he did not loudly advertise his furniture. Despite being a man of few words, his drive and determination led him to create some of the era’s most experimental furniture. Investigating form and materials, in particular round shapes, he created elegant designs—visually light, meticulously upholstered yet stable and comfortable. His Oda Chair represents his pioneering approach. A welded steel frame connected to a piece of bent plywood and fixed armrests within the shell made the design revolutionary.