When it comes to modern lighting, Louis Poulsen is a brand name that immediately comes to mind. And when we think of Louis Poulsen, the name Poul Henningsen is synonymous with timeless design. Poul Henningsen, a Danish architect and designer, is famous for his innovative and thoughtful approach to lighting design. His collaboration with lighting company Louis Poulsen resulted in iconic designs that have stood the test of time. In this article, we will explore the work of Poul Henningsen, the man behind the Louis Poulsen brand, and the legacy he left in the world of lighting design.

Early Life and Career

Poul Henningsen was born in 1894 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the youngest son of a famous Danish actress, Agnes Henningsen. From an early age, he showed an interest in lighting design, and his first design success came in the form of the PH lamp, which he designed in 1925. The PH lamp was a simple, yet innovative design that used multiple shades to diffuse light and eliminate glare. This design became the foundation for Henningsen’s work with Louis Poulsen.

The PH Series

The PH series of lamps, which Henningsen designed in collaboration with Louis Poulsen, is perhaps his most famous work. The series consists of the PH table lamp, PH floor lamp, and PH pendant lamp. The lamps use multiple layers of shades to diffuse light and create a warm, soft glow without glare. The simple, yet elegant design of the lamps makes them perfect for any interior space, and they have become icons of modern design.

The PH Artichoke Lamp

The PH Artichoke lamp is another iconic design by Henningsen. This lamp was designed for the Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen in 1958. The lamp’s name comes from its shape, which resembles an artichoke. The lamp features multiple layers of copper leaves, which are arranged in a complex pattern to create a warm, soft glow. The design of the lamp is so intricate that it took Henningsen over 2 months to create the original prototype.

The Legacy of Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen passed away in 1967, but his legacy lives on. His designs have become synonymous with modern lighting, and his collaboration with Louis Poulsen has produced some of the most iconic lamps in history. Henningsen’s innovative approach to lighting design has influenced countless designers and architects, and his work is still relevant today.

The Louis Poulsen Brand Today

Today, the Louis Poulsen brand continues to produce some of the most innovative and timeless designs in lighting. They still produce the PH series of lamps and the PH Artichoke lamp, and they have also created new designs that continue to push the limits of lighting design. The company remains true to the vision of Poul Henningsen, and they continue to produce innovative designs that are both functional and beautiful.

Poul Henningsen’s influence on the world of lighting design cannot be overstated. His collaboration with Louis Poulsen produced some of the most iconic lamps in history, and his innovative approach to lighting design has influenced countless designers and architects. The Louis Poulsen brand continues to produce innovative and timeless designs, and Poul Henningsen’s legacy lives on through their work. If you are looking for a lighting design that is both functional and beautiful, you cannot go wrong with a Louis Poulsen lamp designed by Poul Henningsen.