Model presented at the exhibition “Tidens Møbler” in Forum 1952.

Many of Hans J. Wegner's chairs have later on been given names with reference to the animal kingdom thus adding a humorous twist to the aesthetic qualities and the remarkable craftsmanship. This also applies to the “Papa Bear” chair, which got its name following a review by a journalist, who wrote that sitting in it was like being held in the arms of a teddy bear. When designing this chair, Wegner also took a look back in time at previous furniture styles. Upholstered furniture emerged in the 18th century, and in general, Danish Modernist architects rebelled against this kind of furniture with its closed and voluminous appearance. Wegner, on the other hand, dived into the genre and already in 1944 designed a wing chair after English example. He reconsidered it in 1951 and created the “Papa Bear” chair, which, in contrast to traditional upholstered wing chairs, has a surprisingly sculptural, light and open appearance. Later relatives include the even lighter counterpart the “Mama Bear” chair from 1954 as well as the Ox Chair and the Wingchair from 1960.