AKSEL BENDER MADSEN
Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen were Danish designers who played a vital role in defining mid-century Scandinavian modernism. Collaborating closely throughout the 1950s and 60s, the duo created refined, human-centered furniture rooted in functionality, craftsmanship, and honest materials.
Trained under the influential Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, both Madsen and Larsen carried forward the Danish design tradition with a quiet elegance and clarity of form. Their partnership was marked by shared values and a dedication to ergonomic, well-proportioned designs that seamlessly blended structure and comfort.
Together, they developed over 300 pieces—many produced by cabinetmaker Willy Beck—including their best-known Metropolitan Chair, praised for its sculptural lines and precise joinery. The pair emphasized quality over quantity, ensuring each design met their high standards for aesthetics and usability.
Larsen and Madsen’s work remains a testament to Danish modern ideals: restrained, purposeful, and beautifully made. Their legacy continues to influence contemporary furniture design, reflecting a timeless vision grounded in respect for the user and the craft.
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