Wegner’s Mama Bear

Hans J. Wegner’s CH78 Lounge Chair – The Mama Bear Chair

Hans J. Wegner’s CH78 lounge chair, affectionately known as the Mama Bear Chair, was originally introduced in 1954 as a continuation of his CH71 chair from 1952. In contrast to the often heavy lounge chairs of his time, the Mama Bear’s sculptural silhouette is defined by its inviting curves, offering a warm embrace. The frame, armrests, and legs are crafted from solid FSC®-certified wood, ensuring stability and durability. The chair is also available with an optional leather or fabric headrest, which can be purchased separately.

The legendary furniture designer Hans J. Wegner conceived the CH78 Mama Bear Chair in 1954, and it has now been reintroduced by Carl Hansen & Søn as a tribute to the man often referred to as the Master of Chairs for his creativity and innovative thinking. The CH78 Lounge Chair is not only a masterpiece of form and function but also of craftsmanship and bold design, where its soft, supportive curves contrast with dynamic, geometric shapes. The ergonomic comfort of the chair provides support for the neck, back, and body, making it ideal for relaxation. Its unexpectedly lightweight design is both soft and highly supportive, making it a sculptural yet functional piece that fits seamlessly into living rooms, hotel lobbies, and modern interiors alike.

Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) is regarded as one of Denmark’s most creative, innovative, and prolific furniture designers. Often referred to as the “Master of Chairs,” Wegner designed nearly 500 chairs throughout his career, many of which are considered masterpieces. He is perhaps best known for his iconic Wishbone Chair (CH24), which has been in continuous production since 1950. At the core of Wegner’s legacy is his unique ability to capture the true essence of furniture through a design philosophy that combines simplicity and functionality.

About Hans J. Wegner

Hans J. Wegner was born in Tønder, Denmark, in 1914. He spent much of his childhood in his father’s shoemaker shop, surrounded by tools that he quickly learned to master.

From an early age, Wegner displayed a remarkable artistic talent, which found expression in drawing, painting, and wood carving.

At just 18 years old, he completed an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under master craftsman H.E. Stahlberg in Tønder, a skill he would later perfect.

After completing his military service in Copenhagen, Wegner attended the School of Arts and Crafts (Kunsthåndværkerskolen) in 1936, driven by a newfound passion for furniture design after seeing the annual Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions. However, he never graduated—by 1938, he was already employed by renowned architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller, designing furniture for Aarhus City Hall.

During World War II, Wegner began a 20-year collaboration with cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, which became particularly fruitful after Wegner moved back to Copenhagen.

Johannes Hansen’s workshop provided an inspiring creative space, where Wegner designed some of his most sculptural and technically challenging chairs. These pieces were showcased at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions, and in 1949, Wegner had his breakthrough with The Round Chair. This chair, which captivated American audiences, was later dubbed simply “The Chair” by the English-speaking design world. It played a crucial role in putting Danish design on the global map and launched Wegner’s international fame.

During the same period, Wegner found Danish manufacturers for each of his furniture designs. These companies later joined forces under the Salesco organization, dedicated to marketing Wegner’s work worldwide. One of these companies was Carl Hansen & Søn, which still produces the iconic Wishbone Chair (CH24)—Wegner’s most successful design, first introduced in 1950.

When Johannes Hansen’s workshop closed, the company PP Møbler gradually took over production of Wegner’s handcrafted furniture, including The Round Chair, The Peacock Chair, and a reissued version of the Papa Bear Chair.

Key Milestones in Hans J. Wegner’s Life

• 1914 – Born in Tønder, Denmark
• 1932 – Completed apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under Stahlberg in Tønder
• 1936 – Enrolled at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen
• 1938 – Debuted at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions
• 1939 – Moved to Aarhus
  • Designed furniture for Aarhus City Hall under Erik Møller & Arne Jacobsen
• 1946 – Moved back to Copenhagen, established his own design studio
• 1946-51 – Taught at the School of Arts and Crafts
• 1949 – Exhibited the Folding Chair, the Three-Part Shell Chair, and The Round Chair
• 1950 – American interior design magazine Interiors featured The Round Chair, sparking a wave of American interest in Wegner’s work
  • Began collaborating with Carl Hansen & Søn and four other manufacturers
• 1951 – Received the Lunning Prize, awarded for the first time, alongside Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala
• 1962-65 – Built his own house in Gentofte, Denmark
• 1968 – Began working with PP Møbler in Allerød
• 1995 – The Tønder Water Tower opened as a museum showcasing Wegner’s 36 most iconic chair designs
• 1997 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Royal College of Art, London
• 2007 – Passed away

From 1938 to 1992, Wegner designed countless furniture pieces and interior projects, receiving numerous honors and awards throughout his career.

Source: Tønder Art Museum