Designed in 1958 by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, the PH 5 suspension lamp takes its name from the 50 cm diameter of the main shade. At the time of its creation, no one suspected that PH 5 would come to embody Poul Henningsen's characteristic lighting style. The suspension lamp is characterised by its 100% glare-free illumination, regardless of the light source used or how the lamp is installed. The suspension emits light downwards and sideways, so it lights itself up. Timeless, PH 5 continues to brighten up even the most modern interiors with its range of colours, just like PH 5 Mini. This suspension lamp, launched in 2017, has a shade 30 centimetres higher, following the principles of Poul Henningsen. This first redesign of the famous suspension lamp is part of Louis Poulsen's commitment to contemporary and creative living.
Born in 1894 in Denmark, Poul Henningsen studied architecture at the Polytechnic from 1915 to 1917. He studied at the Technical School in Frederiksberg, Denmark, from 1911 to 1914, then at the Technical University of Copenhagen from 1914 to 1917, although he never graduated in architecture. In 1920, the designer began working as a freelance architect, but also worked as a journalist, writing numerous articles for various newspapers.A writer and designer, he was an emblematic figure in Danish cultural life during the two world wars. He went on to work for the famous Danish publisher Louis Poulsen, and quickly achieved international success with his PH lamps, first exhibited in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Poul Henningsen designed timeless lamps whose aestheticism still appeals to vintage design aficionados. PH lamps are all encircled by a number of metal or glass shades that act as reflectors, providing soft, diffused light that's both functional and soft. The design of these luminaires is such that it is impossible to see the light source directly, making them totally glare-free.The technique he developed made him one of the greatest Scandinavian designers of the 20th century.
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LOUIS POULSEN
Danish brand Louis Poulsen was founded in 1874, originating from traditional Scandinavian design where form follows function. Louis Poulsen became the owner of the company in 1906 after the death of his uncle, Ludvig R. Poulsen. Louis Poulsen’s approach to architectural development began when he collaborated with one of the world’s leading lighting designers, Poul Henningsen. In 1924, the designer began collaborating with Louis Poulsen lighting; their objective was to take part in the "International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts". In 1925 the collaboration proved successful and the Poul Henningsen lamps won the gold medal. Following this victory, the two men marketed their products in France, England and Denmark.