Almost a year ago, I
posted about playing a game of "If money were no object" with my SIL. Both our lists of must-haves included a
Papa Bear chair by Hans Wegner. A few weeks ago, one came his way, and he has had it beautifully restored. The teak now looks brand new, and the new gray wool Maharam upholstery is stellar. Take a look at this beautiful example of Danish design.
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| Papa Bear chair and ottoman, designed by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen in 1951 |
We have been visited by the Wegner Fairy (the vintage modern equivalent of the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny rolled into one) several times lately, having also found a set of Wegner dining chairs and a gorgeous teak sideboard under our pillows.
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| Dining chairs by Hans J. Wegner for CM Madsens |
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| Teak sideboard by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler |
Papa Bear! I die.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to act all cool and say, "No big deal"...but that would be a lie. When we got it back from the upholsterer, we died too. In fact, we've all been oooohing and aaaahing for two days. Hands down, this our most beautifully restored piece so far.
DeleteJust as an aside...My SIL told me not to feel bad because I couldn't afford to buy this chair. He said it's so low I'd never be able to get out of it anyway. Ah, the joys of getting old...haha
ReplyDeleteOh my, the Papa Bear looks gorgeous. Great choice of upholstery. So wait. Who owns this chair now? Did your SIL keep it or is it a housewarming gift for your new digs? I vote for the latter. And I am dying to see your place. Your hints are killing me ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Papa Bear is in the store. Don't I wish it were a housewarming gift!!!!! I have a post scheduled for Saturday that will explain...one more time...the delay of the reveal. If we can just get through moving the store to a new location by May 1, I think we will finally have time to get everything finished, and the reveal can take place.
DeleteAbsolutely perfect...love the colour and fabric on that chair as well1
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ray. We're very pleased with the outcome of the restoration.
DeleteOne of my favorite chairs! One of our local vintage shops recently had a chair show (like an art show but with chairs on display) and he had one of those. I just wanted to crawl up in it and never leave. And wow, that sideboard is amazing. I hope that the reno is going well!
ReplyDeleteThe interior has been finished for a while. Now to get the exterior done...sooner than later, I hope.
DeleteI have seen these around and not known what they are. I think these chairs are fabulous. I would love one, at some point. I really like the fabric choice on this bad boy. Your SIL did well. Is it a gray color? Man. It is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a dark gray wool. I think he made the perfect choice...very classy.
DeleteExcellent restoration job, Papa Bear looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ton. We're all really pleased with the way it turned out.
DeleteThat has to be one of the most beatiful chairs, absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThere are very few designs that surpass the Papa Bear in beauty! :)
DeleteWhen I was in NYC last year for Anderson Cooper, I saw a Papa Bear chair (in yellow I think) at one of the Housing Works thrift stores and totally started to freak. Oh,but it was no bargain, they place the high end stuff up for bid; after I returned home I checked their web site and saw that it had sold for $7500.
ReplyDelete$7,500 was actually a really good price for a Papa Bear. They're going on 1stdibs right now in the range of $12,000-$18,500. There's even one listed for $32,500...apparently some limited edition with extra wide arms. As crazy as that sounds to us mere mortals, there are designers who buy them at that price all day for their clients. I suspect those prices come with bragging rights at cocktail parties.
Delete*WOW* The chair is amazing!!! I would surely like to do some crocheting in it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I envy you the coordination to crochet. My grandmother did beautiful crocheting, and my mother knitted really well, but despite all their best efforts to teach me, my hands simply wouldn't cooperate.
DeletePapa Bear is beautiful!! And to have the ottoman too!
ReplyDeleteCan see why it was on your if money were no object lists.
And the chairs & a sideboard too - the Wegner fairy has been very kind to you!
Yes, it's enough to make me believe in Tinkerbell again. :)
DeleteWhy are all those alarmists investing in gold? They should have been buying mid mod furniture! Papa Bear is just right.
ReplyDeleteThere's no denying that some big money can be made if you become familiar enough with vintage furniture to know what's rare and highly collectible and what's not.
DeleteOh my lord! My Mama chair needs the Papa chair! Enjoy a nice wee sit down for me! ...still gasping! xx
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