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Louis Poulsen – Lighting the way for 150 years
150 YEARS OF SCANDINAVIAN LIGHT
Louis Poulsen's journey began in Copenhagen more than 150 years ago in 1847, Ludvig R. Poulsen founded what would later become one of the world's leading manufacturers of lighting fixtures. Over the years, Louis Poulsen has collaborated with some of Scandinavia’s most distinguished designers and architects from whom iconic works have emerged that have become symbols of both great form and function. In 2024, the brand celebrates their 150th anniversary, in conjunction with the launch of anniversary editions of some of their biggest icons such as icons such as the AJ Mini lamp, PH5 and PH Artichoke in the two smaller sizes.
IT STARTED WITH THE PH
Perhaps one of Louis Poulsen's most recognisable lamp collections is the PH lamp, which was designed in 1926 by the Danish light master Poul Henningsen. Louis Poulsen began its collaboration with the architect and designer in 1924, and not long afterwards he won a gold medal at the prestigious Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs & industriels Modernes in Paris. Henningsen designed his first PH lamp with three shades, which was followed by several different variants, all based on the same basic idea, to design a glare-free light. His idea of the now-famous three-shade system became an outstanding success and by 1931 some 30,000 PH lamps had been sold worldwide. Even today PH lamps are still produced on a large scale and are available in many different models and designs – a true classic that was the start of the brand's success and has come to epitomise the timeless aesthetics of Scandinavian design and unrivalled functionality.
PH 5 – A LIGHTING ICON FOR THE DINING AREA
The PH series consists of several different models, but it is perhaps the PH 5 that is the most recognisable. This iconic lamp was designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958 and is the result of the constant changes in the shape and size of light bulbs at the time. The PH 5 was designed as a lamp that could be used with any type of light bulb, something that was revolutionary for the time. Just like the original idea from 1924, the PH 5 series is based on the same classic three-shade system that creates a soft, cosy diffused light, making this lamp ideal for the dining area. The three-shade system is designed in such a way that it directs most of the light downwards and illuminates itself so that the core of the lamp emits a soft glow. The lower shade is constructed with frosted glass to ensure that all downward light is completely glare-free. Today, the PH 5 is available in many different colours and has become a beloved and well-known lighting icon around the world.
Poul Henningsen with his famous PH 5 pendant.
PH ARTICHOKE – A WORLD FAMOUS & ADMIRED LIGHTING CLASSIC
The PH Artichoke, also known as the Cone, is a true classic that was launched by Poul Henningsen in 1958 after he was tasked with designing a pendant light for the prestigious Copenhagen restaurant Langelinie Pavilion. The name of the lamp refers to its distinctive design that spreads the light both inwards and outwards, creating a spectacular lamp that also emits a soft glow. The lamp's unique design consists of 72 metal blades that together form 12 precise rows of six leaves each to provide a perfect, glare-free light regardless of the angle at which the lamp is viewed. Henningsen completed the first piece in three months and today visitors to the Langelinie Pavilion restaurant can still experience the PH Artichoke in situ, now recognised as a true lighting icon.
The PH Artichoke, also known as the Cone, is one of Poul Henningsen's most iconic lamps, designed in 1958.
THE DESIGNERS WHO SHAPED THE ICONS
In addition to Poul Henningsen and his revolutionary PH lamps, Louis Poulsen has worked with a number of famous designers who have gone on to create some of the brand's most prominent icons. After the Second World War, collaborations with independent designers began and over the years, well-known names such as Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton have been involved in creating some of the brand's most prominent design classics.
Arne Jacobsen, designer of the AJ series.
Verner Panton, designer of the Panthella series.
ARNE JACOBSEN & THE AJ SERIES
The architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, often remembered for his strong will and determination, but not to be forgotten for his distinctive, minimalistic design language which has been rewarded with several prestigious awards both in Denmark and abroad. Together Jacobsen and Louis Poulsen, launched the famous AJ lamps in collaboration with the SAS Royal Hotel in Hotel in Copenhagen, where Jacobsen was also responsible for furniture and other details. After the hotel was completed the lamps became available to the public and today there is a whole series of everything from floor lamps to table lamps, all with the famous silhouette that is hugely distinctive. The AJ lamps are designed to provide a pleasant downward light with its white painted inner shade. It is also possible to tilting the shade to adjust the light distribution, which makes the AJ series particularly popular for use as reading and spot lighting.
Appreciated for its directional light & strong design - the AJ table lamp by Arne Jacobsen is available in several different colours.
VERNER PANTON & THE PANTHELLA SERIES
The collaboration with the charismatic architect Verner Panton began in 1959. Panton was known to have a strong sense of light, space, colour and materials, but also a playful approach to lighting. One of the first lamps to be launched was the classic Topan lamp, but he is also the name behind the iconic Panthella series from 1971 that has charmed lighting enthusiasts all over the world with its rounded shade and base that is designed to act as a reflector. Panton was not afraid to go out on a limb, on the contrary, he was rewarded for standing out and experimenting with new ways that encouraged people to make their surroundings a little more exciting. One thing that people may not be aware of regarding Panton is that Poul Henningsen was his mentor and the one who introduced Panton to Louis Poulsen at the beginning of his career but also the one who inspired him to explore the theory of light and design.
The Panthella lamps by Verner Panton are available in several different sizes and colours, and also in a portable version.
MORE THAN JUST LIGHTING
Louis Poulsen is more than just a lighting company, it is an institution in Scandinavian design and a symbol of innovation and quality that has helped create light for generations around the world. Louis Poulsen sees light as a material, that can be moulded in different ways. By building on its heritage and creating high-quality lighting where passionate craftsmanship, fine materials, and good design go hand in hand, we can be sure that Louis Poulsen will continue to light up our world with their unique light and brilliant designs.
The Panthella Portable Table Lamp - one of the great lighting icons from Louis Poulsen.
Photo: Elof Martinsson, Louis Poulsen
