Set of Papa Bear Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1950s

Details

Description

"papa bear" set consisting of an armchair and matching footstool, with exposed oak elements and recently reupholstered in a melange … Read more "papa bear" set consisting of an armchair and matching footstool, with exposed oak elements and recently reupholstered in a melange cotton blend. Designed by hans j. Wegner for a.p. Stolen, denmark, 1950s. Original markings.

designed by hans j. Wegner in 1951, the "papa bear" armchair (model ap-19) represents one of the most significant turning points in the golden age of danish modernism. It is a coherent design born from the creativity of an artist who, before becoming a designer, trained as a master cabinetmaker, instilling in each of his works a profound respect for nature and the authenticity of materials. The famous nickname "papa bear" originated with a contemporary critic who described the armrests as large paws capable of enveloping anyone who sat on them in a protective embrace. This evocative image is immediately reflected in the chair's architecture, where the high backrest expands into two lateral wings to create a sense of intimacy and acoustic isolation, while the armrests end in characteristic shaped oak inserts that recall the animal's extremities. In this icon, officially presented at the tidens møbler exhibition in copenhagen in 1952, the imposing structure and the pursuit of absolute comfort coexist in the same design gesture. Wegner deliberately chose not to hide the wood beneath the upholstery, but to bring it to the surface at the points of greatest visual and practical stress, transforming the legs and armrest ends into true supporting elements of the design and celebrating the balance between the freedom of organic forms and the rigor of artisanal expertise. Every detail of the upholstery, from the buttons to the taut stitching to the geometric profiles, contributes to shaping the volumes and defining a strong three-dimensional presence that dialogues with the matching footrest, a more intimate yet equally thoughtful piece where the curvature of the surface and the intersection of the fabric and the four exposed oak legs faithfully reflect the language of the main seat to ensure a coherent visual continuity. To preserve the historical integrity and collectible value of the set, the armchair and footrest have recently undergone a meticulous philological restoration by a specialized craftsman. He used a cotton blend fabric, chosen to restore chromatic depth and movement to the material surface. The restoration was carried out with absolute respect for the period finishes and preserved the exact original upholstery design, the precise arrangement of the buttons, the historic stitching, and the structural profiles. To certify the rarity and authenticity of this pair of furnishings, the original paper label from the a.p. Production workshop is perfectly preserved beneath the structure of both pieces. Stolen with the inscription "made in denmark - designer: hans j. Wegner - a.p. Stolen, copenhagen", accompanied by the danish furnituremakers' control mark, the quality seal established in the late 1950s to protect the excellence of danish furniture exports. Pouf dimensions: 70 x 40 x 40 cm. Good condition. May show signs of aging. Please refer to the photographs. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less