Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
About the Item
- Creator:Hans J. Wegner (Designer),A.P. Stolen (Manufacturer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 39.77 in (101 cm)Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)Depth: 32.29 in (82 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered. Expertly restored to the highest standard by our in-house team.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1333231632982
Papa Bear Chair
The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair, has two outstretched arms with wood detailing once described by a critic as “great bear paws embracing you from behind” — hence the name. The piece was designed by Hans Wegner (1914–2007), a pioneer of Danish modernism who crafted nearly 500 chairs over the course of his long career. Not many of them, however, have the anthropomorphic qualities that this one does.
Wegner was raised in the south of Denmark, where he served as an apprentice to a cabinetmaker as a child. Inspired to study architecture and design, he enrolled at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, then opened his own studio in 1943, working closely with peers like Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller and more. Wegner was a leading figure of the Scandinavian modern movement, which championed quality craftsmanship, elegant design and efficient functionality.
The Papa Bear chair was Wegner’s first project with manufacturer A.P. Stolen, which enjoyed numerous collaborations with the designer over time. Originally produced with a solid beechwood frame, Wegner’s chair, with its high backrest, lengthy back legs and comfortable cotton-upholstered cushioning, was designed in 1951 and had its first manufacturing run from 1953 to 1969. Its current production is managed by Danish joinery workshop PP Møbler, and the Papa Bear chair and ottoman are now available in a variety of wood and textile finishes.
Hans J. Wegner
Best known for his chairs and other seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century.
Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic.
In keeping with that tenet, several of Hans Wegner’s best chair designs have their roots in traditional seating forms. The Peacock chair (designed in 1947) is a throne-like adaptation of the Windsor chair; pieces from the China chair series (begun in 1944) as well as the 1949 Wishbone chair, with its distinctive Y-shaped back splat, are derived from 17th-century Ming seating pieces, as is the upholstered Ox chair (1960). Wegner’s comfy Papa Bear chair (1951) is an almost surreally re-scaled English wingback chair.
Wegner’s most representative piece, the Round chair (1949), gained a footnote in political history when it was used on the TV stage of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960. That chair, along with Wegner’s more bravura designs — for example, the 1963 Shell chair, with its curved surfboard-shaped seat — bring a quietly sculptural presence to a room.
Wegner was a designer who revered his primary material — wood — and it shows. His wood gathers patina and character with age; every Hans Wegner piece testifies to the life it has led.
Find vintage Hans Wegner lounge chairs, armchairs, daybeds and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle FabricBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in London, GBHans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Bouclé, Teak
- Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Boucle FabricBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in London, GBHans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wool, Oak
- Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Wool FabricBy A.P. Stolen, Hans J. WegnerLocated in London, GBHans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wool, Oak
- Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Grey Wool FabricBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in London, GBHans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wool, Oak
- Hans Wegner Ap-29 Papa Bear Ottoman in Oak and BoucleBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in London, GBHans J. Wegner AP-29 Papa Bear Ottoman, 1953 The Papa Bear chair is one of Danish master Hans J. Wegner's most iconic designs and is perfectly complimetned by the matching AP-29 ottoman. Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark this piece features beautifully aged and patinated oak handles and legs that have been sensitively restored. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious Dedar Karakorum...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
MaterialsWool, Bouclé, Oak
- Custom Made 1940s Style Boucle Wing ChairLocated in London, GBDagmar design custom-made upholstered range A custom made wing chair developed and produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. The frames are hand-bui...Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBouclé, Beech
- Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman for A.P. StolenBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in San Francisco, CAHans J. Wegner design "Papa Bear" chair and matching ottoman produced for A.P. Stolen, Denmark. This an original matched set that has been perfectly refinished and newly upholstered ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Oak, Teak
- Hans J. Wegner, Papa Bear ChairBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in Kastrup, DKHans J. Wegner 1914-2007. "Papa Bear" chair, model AP19 produced for A.P Mobler. Designed in 1951. Upholstered with Hallingdal wool from Danish Kvadrat with leather trimmings and buttons. Teak nails ("paws") and legs. The Papa Bear Chair is of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of the most important and desirable pieces of furniture of the 20th century; the perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic beauty. The chair got it's name from a journalist who was assigned to write a review...Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric, Teak
- Papa Bear Chair by Hans WegnerBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in Oklahoma City, OKThe Papa Bear Chair, a classic design by Hans Wagner, showcases timeless elegance with its iconic mid-century modern silhouette. This particular piece has been meticulously reupholst...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
- Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear ChairsBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in Brooklyn, NYHandsome pair of early 1960s AP-19 chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen. These chairs are better known as the Papa Bear chair for their stately silhouette. Exquisitely crafted teak details notable in the paws, showcasing Wegner's intimate understanding of fine woodworking. Expertly upholstered in a downy gray wool fabric, these cozy chairs...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsTeak
- Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair and OttomanBy A.P. Stolen, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Brooklyn, NYOriginal 1960s AP-19 Lounge Chair, better known as the Papa Bear Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen. A magnificent example of the ic...Category
20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Teak
- Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by Hans WegnerBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in Oklahoma City, OKThe "Papa Bear" chair and ottoman, masterfully crafted by Hans Wagner, embody mid-century modern charm and ergonomic excellence. This iconic duo has undergone a professional transfor...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
Iconic Furniture Gives These 1stDibs 50 Rooms Timeless Appeal
A well-made armchair, table or pendant lamp can afford both comfort and convenience. An exceptional one can transform a space. See how the honorees on this year’s 1stDibs 50 list of top interior designers used standout pieces to create the kind of rooms you never want to leave.