Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen and Let There Be Light

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Poul Henningsen
Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen, known to the Danes as just PH, was born in Ordrup, Denmark in 1894 and lived until 1967. He was the son of an author, Anne Henningsen and a satirist, Carl Ewald and was around literary and artistic intellectuals growing up. He trained as an architect, though he never graduated, but thought himself an inventor and painter. He went on to become a social commentator through publications like the “Kritisk Revy” or “Critical Revue” and even produced a film called Danmarksfilmen or Film of Denmark (1935). Due to the left leaning nature of his social commentary and the invasion by Nazi Germany, he was forced to leave Denmark to Sweden in 1943.

Nevertheless, what PH has come to be known for is not his abrasive politics, but his lighting designs. Having grown up in a time when the electric bulb was new and generally illuminated interiors without a shade, the quality of the light was much less than the warmth of the glow of a gas or oil lamp. PH thought that a careful study of the diffusion of light would lead to a richer, more comforting interior environment. Indeed, he brought light up to a level of a major part of the design of spaces.  A film in three parts, The Philosophy of Light, is below the following images, at the end of the article.

He is best known for the “Artichoke” lamp. Made of leaves that surround a light source, this PH Artichoke lamp directs light in many directions and, therefore, prevents harsh glare.

 

Artichoke Lamp

Artichoke Lamp

 

His lamps are multiple shaded table or ceiling objects sold originally by Louis Poulsen. The PH5 lamps also proved popular and gather hefty prices for vintage pieces. The lamps could come with either metal or glass baffles.

 

PH5 Lamp (1958)

PH Lamp

PH Lamp

PH Desk Lamp (1941)

PH Chandelier (1927)

PH Bombardment Chandelier (1933)

PH Piano Lamp (1931)

PH Contrast (1952)

PH Table Light (1927)

PH Septima (1929)

 

One can easily see the influence that these multi-shade lamps had on mid-century designers. Even today, examining the lamps of any modern lighting store will include designs similar to Henningsen’s and the concept, which may have been inevitable, of diffusing light by scattering and filtering is taken for granted.

 

HBosler