A Brief Hisory of the PP Møbler Papa Bear Chair: A Scandinavian Design Icon by Hans Wegner
Between 1949 and 1951, Danish designer Hans J. Wegner entered what many consider the golden era of his career. In just two short years, he created some of the most legendary pieces in Scandinavian design history: the Chair, the Wishbone Chair, the CH-25 Lounge Chair, and the audacious Flag Halyard Chair. But perhaps none of these embody the spirit of Danish Modernism quite like the Papa Bear Chair—a masterpiece that merges sculptural elegance with uncompromising comfort.
The Birth of a Design Legend
The Papa Bear Chair—a nickname coined by a journalist who saw the arms as “great paws hugging you from behind”—was born in 1951 out of a practical challenge. Wegner’s business partner, Eivind Kold Christensen, was setting up a distribution network and urgently needed fresh upholstered designs. Enter A.P. Stolen, a newly founded upholstery firm led by master upholsterer Anker Petersen. Though young, the company was chosen to bring Wegner’s first major upholstered piece to life. The result was nothing short of revolutionary.
Wegner, known for his meticulous approach to design, sculpted a prototype in plasticine before moving on to wood. He designed a solid internal frame where the rear legs seamlessly transition into the cantilevered armrests. These iconic “paws” not only support the arms but also create space underneath, allowing the sitter to stretch, lean, or even throw a leg over the side. It's this playful versatility that makes the Papa Bear more than just a chair—it’s an experience.
A Testament to Craftsmanship
From the beginning, the Papa Bear Chair was an ode to traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship. Wegner demanded only natural materials: cotton, palm leaves, horsehair, and flax fiber. Metal springs, encased in hand-stitched linen and tied to jute straps, were integrated into the backrest. The final shape was tightened and secured with twelve fabric-covered buttons, each contributing both to ergonomics and aesthetic rhythm.
It took over two weeks to complete a single Papa Bear Chair. With that kind of craftsmanship, it's no wonder the chair quickly became a signature piece for A.P. Stolen and a benchmark of Scandinavian design.
The Legacy Lives On at PP Møbler
Although production slowed in the 1970s and A.P. Stolen eventually closed its doors in 1977, the Papa Bear Chair refused to fade into obscurity. In 2003, the legendary cabinetmakers PP Møbler, based in Allerød, Denmark, took over its full production. Known for their close collaboration with Wegner, PP Møbler continues to build the chair using the same meticulous methods Wegner specified more than 70 years ago. Foam is still only used in the seat cushion—every other element remains true to the original design ethos.
Each Papa Bear Chair that leaves the PP Møbler workshop today is a testament to timeless Scandinavian design, made not for trends, but for life. It’s not just a seat—it’s a sculptural heirloom that bridges generations of design lovers.
Shop the PP Møbler Papa Bear Chair at Nørdikka Collective.