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.
“Papa Bear” Armchair with Footrest by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brescia, IT
The “Papa Bear” set consists of an armchair and a matching footrest, featuring exposed oak elements and upholstery recently reupholstered in a cotton-blend mélange fabric. Designed b...
Fabric, Oak
AP 19 - 'Papa bear' chair in lambskin by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 19 - Papa Bear Chair in lambskin with paws in rosewood and legs in dark stained wood. Designed by Hans J. Wegner and made by AP Stolen.
Lambskin, Beech, Rosewood
Hans Wegner for AP Stolen AP19 Mid Century Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner for AP Stolen AP19 Mid Century Papa Bear Chair This chair measures: 35 wide x 35 deep x 39 high, with a seat height of 15.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 24.75 inche...
Upholstery, Wood
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by AP Stolen Reupholstered
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Papa Bear chair and ottoman by Hans Wegner manufactured by A.P. Stolen. There is a Danish Circular medallion affixed to the underside of chair. The chair, was in the origi...
Wool, Wood
Hans Wegner Early Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen Original Fabric 1951, Stamped
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Vienna, AT
Collectors set of two labeled, stamped very early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs (number 13+16) Made in Denmark, Designer Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen, around 1951. Priced as a pair; we will ...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner 'Papa Bear' Armchair, A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1963
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in The Hague, NL
The iconic Papa Bear armchair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951. This armchair on offer here was produced in 1963 by A.P. Stolen, the first and original manufacturer of the AP-1...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Beech, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Newly reupholstered in fabric "Mons" from Astrid Textiles. Very good condition. Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark.
Sheepskin, Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans 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...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Footstool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Saint Louis, US
This Papa Bear Chair is a sculpture for comfort. It is a fine example of one the more exclusive products of the Danish Modern period. It is considered a masterpiece of the design per...
Leather, Foam, Wood
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair and matching Ottoman for AP Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Highclere, Newbury
An exceptional early 1960s Danish vintage Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair with matching ottoman for AP Stolen with teak 'paws' and legs that has been beautifully reupholstered in two ton...
Leather, Teak
Hans Wegner A.P. Stolen Papa Bear Chair AP-19 & Ottoman Redone in Black Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning black leather papa bear chair and ottoman designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by A.P. Stolen. Both pieces are stamped. The chair has been expertly redone in high q...
Leather, Teak
AP 19 - Papa Bear chair & stool in new fabric by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 19 - Reupholstered Papa Bear chair with matching stool in light textile (A Joy by Dedar, colour 002 Natural) ABOUT THE FURNITURE: This is an original 'Papa Bear chair' by Hans J....
Textile, Oak
Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman for COM Customizable
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original AP-19 Lounge Chair and matching ottoman designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen. Better known as the Papa Bear Chair, the design remains one of Wegner’s most sculptura...
Wool, Teak
$3,400 / set
Pair of Hans J. Wegner Chair FH 4103 Heart Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Hans J. Wegner stockable ‘heart’ tripod chairs, the seat made of the veneered teak frame and top rail of teak, Designed in 1952. Produced by Fritz Hansen, model FH 4103. Fully restor...
Oak, Teak
Papa Bear Armchair & Footrest, Hans Wegner, Denmark, c. 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
The celebrated Papa Bear chair with matching footrest. Dimensions listed are for chair.
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen, 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen, 1960s. Fairly early Papa Bear armchair AP-19 with beech frame and legs and teak claws designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951 for A.P. Stolen De...
Wool, Teak
$47,453 / set
Danish Modern "Papa" Bear set of 2 armchairs, 1950's
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Uccle, BE
This unique set features two early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by A.P. Stolen in Denmark around 1951. Priced as a pair, we are also open to selling...
Oak
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans 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 ...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans 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...
Fabric, Bouclé, Teak
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Wool Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans 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...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Iconic Papa Bear Wingback Chair by Hans Wegner, 1951
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kensington, MD
Iconic Papa Bear Wingback Chair by Hans Wegner, 1951 Additional information: Material: Upholstery, Oak, Teak We are pleased to offer this true icon of Danish design, the incredibly ...
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair for A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear chair model with Teak nails and legs. Executed by A.P. Stolen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Ready for new upholstery.
Wool, Teak
Original AP19 "Papa Bear"chair by Hans J. Wegner A.P. Stolen Leather oak teak
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An original AP19 “Papa bear” chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, designed in 1951 and made in Denmark. This example with new black leather and featuring oak legs and t...
Leather, Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair with Ottoman in Loro Piana Nubuck Leather
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A beautiful, vintage Papa Bear Chair fully restored in the most luxurious nubuck leather from Italian label, Loro Piana. We chose this particul...
Leather
1950s Papa Bear AP19 Chair and ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951 and produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark, the AP19 “Papa Bear” Chair is one of the defining works of Danish Modern design. Celebrated for its unmista...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair "Papa Bear" by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, PP Møbler
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish lounge chair "Papa Bear" by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler. New released. Available with fabrick or leather. Price for fabrick model. Quote on demand. Delivery t...
Leather
Danish Modern Leather "Papa Bear" Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern “Papa Bear” chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen in Denmark, circa 1950s. Originally introduced as the AP-19, this iconic design is widely regarded as one o...
Leather, Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Off-White Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans 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 of...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Hans Wegner Dining Table for Andreas Tuck
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner design dining table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. High qulaity construction and materials executed with an oak base and contrasting teak top and leaves by the cabinetry shop...
Oak, Teak
Papa Bear Chair Model AP19 in Light Grey Hallingdal with Teak by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, PP Møbler
Located in Lejre, DK
The Papa Bear Chair, model AP19, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951. Upholstered in light grey Hallingdal fabric with solid teak armrests. Originally produced by AP Stolen, the model...
Fabric
Easy Chair in Rosewood & Reupholstered in Kvadrat Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Rosewood & Reupholstered in Kvadrat™ Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and newly reupholstered in Kvadrat™ fabric Style: Mid cen...
Rosewood, Fabric
Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair in Holly Hunt Alpaca
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
The Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007 "Papa Bear" Chair, model AP19, produced for A.P Mobler and designed in 1951, epitomizes luxurious comfort and timeless craftsmanship. Upholstered with Ho...
Upholstery, Teak
Teak ''Papa Bear'' Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Montreal, QC
Teak ''Papa Bear'' chair and ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Bearing the tag: "Furnituremakers Danish Control" Provenance: Acquired in 1959 by the original owner Private C...
Teak
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair for AP Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner design Papa Bear chair for AP Stolen, Denmark. Simply the most comfortable chair ever made, completely restored including refinishing, new foam, webbing and strengthen...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,330Sale Price|26% Off
Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama Oak Relax Armchair with Adjustable Backrest
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama Oak Relax Armchair with Adjustable Backrest Discover the perfect combination of style and comfort with the Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama relax armchair. This...
Fabric, Oak
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
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.