Barnestol / Papa Bear Chair by Hans Wegner 1951
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Although perhaps known best for his chairs in wood, Hans Wegner designed a number of large upholstered chairs including the large arm chair known as the Papa Bear or Teddy Bear Chair. This was one of the first chairs designed by Hans Wegner that was produced by PP Møbler.
The wood frame has to be well made and solid as a base for traditional upholstery work which has horsehair padding over metal springs that are held in place by jute straps. The buttons on the back appear to be decorative but, in fact, the tension of the cord holding the buttons in place creates the profile of the back rest.
The upholstery takes a week of work for a single craftsman.
Wooden insets at the ends of each arm are thought to look like the paws of a bear so hence the name of the chair.
designed by Hans Wegner (1914-2007)
cabinetmakers PP Møbler
legs in ash, cherry, oak or walnut and arms in cherry, oak rosewood, teak or walnut
height: 101 cm
width: 90 cm
depth: 95 cm
height of seat: 42 cm