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Papa Bear Chair
Iconic Designs

Papa Bear ChairBy Hans J. Wegner

About the Design

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 Chair

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Leather "Papa Bear" Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen, Denmark 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Utrecht, NL
An original “Papa Bear” chair designed by Danish design master Hans J. Wegner for the furniture maker A.P. Stolen in the 1950s. While Wegner is primarily known for his inventiveness;...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Off-White Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Rosewood

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 ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Rosewood

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair AP19 for AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
The Papa Bear Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner, is one of the most iconic pieces of Danish vintage furniture. It is described as having the appearance of a bear with its hands outst...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Early 1960’s Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by AP Stolen/ Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic early production Papa Bear chair and Ottoman designed by Hans Wegner manufactured by A.P. Stolen.Chair and ottoman retains original fabric as well as original finish to the w...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Teak

Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
Step into a realm of timeless elegance with Hans J. Wegner's iconic "Papa Bear" chair, model AP19, produced for A.P Mobler. Designed in 1951 by Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007), this maste...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, 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.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak, Teak

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...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Fabric

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Teak

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair in Lambs Wool Hide
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
“Papa bear chair”. Easy chair with legs of beech, “nails” of teak. Seat, sides and button fitted back upholstered with natural colour lambs wool hide. Model AP 19. Designed 1951. Ma...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Hans J. Wegner 'Papa Bear' Armchair, A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1963
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
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...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Beech, Oak

Hans Wegner for AP Stolen AP19 Mid Century Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Countryside, IL
Hans Wegner for AP Stolen AP19 Mid Century Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 36 wide x 29 deep x 38.5 high, with a seat height of 14 inches and arm height/chair cleara...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chairfor A.P. Stolen Denmark, 1950's
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Diego, CA
The Papa Bear Chair is absolutely stunning. The AP-29 is a truly iconic chair newly upholstered in a soft beautiful grey Maharam wool. The chair features beautiful oak legs and tea...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Teak, Wool

"Papa bear" chair by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, AP-stolen. 1950s, oak and wool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hägersten, SE
Iconic lounge chair model "Papa Bear" by Hans J. Wegner. Produced in Denmark by AP-stolen during the 1950s. Solid oak legs and armrest/nails with beautiful patina. Completely restore...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Hans Wegner AP19 Stool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Greensboro, NC
Iconic Hans Wegner foot stool produced by A.P. Stolen, Denmark 1959, distributed by Povl Dinesen Denmark Stool is in original condition, with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Lounge chair in Grey wool, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in amstelveen, NL
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 ...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Vintage Leather "Papa Bear" Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Iconic “Papa Bear” lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner, in a wide, comfortable design upholstered in black leather. Handles with oak details at the ends.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather

Danish Modern Leather "Papa Bear" Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage “Papa Bear” chair designed by the famous Danish architect and furniture maker Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen in Denmark, circa...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Teak

Papa Bear Chair PH19 by H.P Stolen for Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Papa Bear Chair - Hans J Wegner An original late 50’s Papa Bear chair designed in 1951 by Hans J Wegner and produced by AP stolen. Remaining in its original wool fabric that is in v...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, 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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Hans Wegner Rosewood President Credenza, Model RY-25
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner design rosewood President credenza, Model RY-25 for Ry Mobler. Rare and impressive looking credenza by the master of Danish furniture Hans J. Wegner. High quality cons...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas

Materials

Stainless Steel

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...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

AP19 Papa Bear Chair by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shibuya City, JP
AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 This papa bear chair was reupholstered in October 2022 with "Hallingdal 65/153" fabric by Kvadrat, a reputable Danish fabric company. The Hallingdal se...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech, Pine

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....
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Textile, Oak

Rare Hans Wegner Desk Model AT325 by Andreas Tuck, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
Rare Hans Wegner Desk Model AT325 by Andreas Tuck, 1960 Hans Wegner desk model AT325 for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. This is an oak desk and we had it completely renovated by a furnitu...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Hans Wegner for A P Stolen, Model AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, Stamped by Maker
By Hans J. Wegner, A. P. Stohlen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Iconic Modern Design in the form of the Hans Wegner "Papa Bear" Chair, created in 1953 and made by A P Stolen of Denmark. Teak "paws" and legs supporting a frame newly reupholstered...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

AP 19 - Papa Bear Chair in green leather By Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 19 - Reupholstered Papa Bear Chair in dark green 'Dunes' aniline leather (colour: Racing Green). ABOUT THE ITEM: This is an original ‘Papa Bear Chair' by Hans J. Wegner, produced...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather

Original AP19 "Papa Bear"chair by Hans J. Wegner A.P. Stolen Leather oak teak
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Teak

Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear AP19 chair by A.P. Stolen Denmark Leather and teak
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
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 teak legs and ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1960’s Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Papa Bear chair by Hans Wegner manufactured by A.P. Stolen. There is a Danish Control tag to the underside of chair. Provenance: Purchased in 1963 from Anton Dam...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Papa Bear Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Hans Wegner, c1950s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Sweep into the classic, timeless appeal of mid-century modern design with this authentic Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman. Both pieces w...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Modern Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Armchair 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Uccle, BE
This iconic Papa Bear chair was reupholstered in a wool flannel. The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair, has two outstretch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, 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 ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

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