Arnold Madsen (1907–1989) remains one of the best-kept secrets of the Danish Modern era, despite the fact that several of his designs are now considered classics. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Madsen was not formally trained as an architect, furniture designer, or cabinetmaker—nor did he actively promote his work. Yet his quiet determination and experimental spirit led him to create some of the period’s most innovative pieces.
Fascinated by form and materials, particularly curved and rounded shapes, Madsen developed designs that are both visually light and structurally sound, combining meticulous upholstery with comfort and stability. His Oda Chair stands as a hallmark of this pioneering approach, featuring a welded steel frame, bent plywood seat, and integrated armrests—a construction that was groundbreaking for its time.
