Scandinivian furniture connoisseurs, rejoice. Carl Hansen & Søn has reissued Hans J. Wegner’s CH78 lounge chair, which stands out in the catalog as one of his coziest designs. Affectionately called the Mama Bear chair, the CH78 was introduced in 1954 after the success of Wegner’s more compact, but similarly sculptural CH71. The Mama Bear features an organic, curving shape with a high backrest punctuated by smooth wooden armrests and legs. Wegner prioritized comfort as well as aesthetics—upward-angled armrests and a curving back create a cozy shape with structural integrity. For those who want to add a touch more plushness to the sumptuous seat, consider adding an optional headrest piece in matching upholstery. And to make the pieces, Carl Hansen & Søn uses heartwood from logs from Danish forests. Paired with fine leather and textiles by Danish Kvadrat and Gabriel, the final product feels authentically Scandinavian.
Though most know Wegner for recognizable Danish classics like the Wishbone and Shell chairs, the Mama Bear offers enthusiasts a chance to acquire something new that still plays well with other Scandinavian pieces. “Wegner and Carl Hansen & Søn have worked together since 1950, and all Wegner’s furniture pieces therefore fit beautifully into our selection of the best furniture from the golden age of Danish furniture culture,” says Carl Hansen & Søn CEO Knud Erik Hansen, who thinks the versatile CH78 can fit into many contexts, from a single Mama Bear in a reading nook to several in an office meeting room. He adds, “Wegner had a very special touch, which means that you can always tell one of his chairs from others.”
