A copper ‘PH Artichoke’ pendant – Louis Poulsen, Denmark 2000 - 2010

Poul Henningsen

Chromed steelCopper plated steelSteelMetalPaint
65 cm, ø 60 cm
ConditionGood
Price on request

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  A copper-plated, lacquered and chromed steel pendant, model PH Artichoke. Designed in 1958 by Poul Henningsen for the “Langelinie” pavillion in Copenhagen and executed by Louis Poulsen.
  
  The “PH Artichoke” is constructed of 72 steel shades mounted on 12 chromed steel supports. Each shade has a copper plated outside and a matt lackered broken-white inside.
  
  Like all lights designed by Poul Henningsen The Artichoke’s shades are positioned so that you cannot be blinded by the lamp.
  
  PH Artichokes are made in 4 different sizes and four different finishes. This particular pendant is a 60 cm diameter example with a E40 socket and was made circa 25 years ago.
  
  
  
  About Poul Henningsen
  Poul Henningsen (1894 Ordrup, Denmark – 1967 Hillerød, Denmark) was a famous Danish architect, designer, author and critic. Poul Henningsen is considered one of the leading figures of the Danish cultural live between the two world wars and is most commonly associated with his design of the PH-lamp series of incandescent lights. PH Artichoke
  
  He started his career with the architect Kay Fisker in 1919. From 1920 onwards, Poul Henningsen freelanced as an architect and designer. His most valuable contribution to design was in the field of glare-free illumination. Henningsen spent developing lighting that was not harsh and glaring but shed warm, soft light.
  
  The first lamps in the “PH” range were shown at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts at Paris in 1925. For these designs Henningsen was awarded the gold medal. The 1925 PH-lamps which – like his later designs – used carefully analysed reflecting of the light rays from the bulb to achieve glare-free and uniform illumination. His light fixtures were manufactured by Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen, a company with which Henningsen would build a lifelong working relationship.
  
  During his first year with Louis Poulsen he developed his first PH-lamp for which he won a gold medal on the 1925 world exhibition in Paris.
  
  His best-known designs are most likely the PH Artichoke (1958) and PH5 (1958). His lighting designs created the economic foundation of his later work. Manufacture and sale of some of his lighting fixtures, such as the PH5 Pendant Lamp, continues today.
  
  Other notable designs by him include the PH Grand Piano (1931), examples of which are included in several prominent twentieth-century design collections, including that of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. In 1946, he re-designed the Glass Hall (Glassalen) for Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
  
  Execution
  Louis Poulsen, Denmark
  Marked
  
  Literature
  Tina Jørstian and Poul Erik Munk Nielsen (ed.), “Light Years Ahead: The Story of the PH Lamp Louis Poulsen”, p. 276-278
  
  Condition
  This “PH Artichoke” is in good vintage condition. Some light scratches and wear consistent of age and use. Some light corodation and rubbing on some of the upper shades. Light discolouration, some stains. The plastic ceiling-cover has slightly yellowed. Original porcelain lamp-fitting (E40), recently rewired, steel wires has been replaced.
  
  Dimensions
  Height 65 cm
  Diameter 60 cm
  Weight approx. 14 KG
• About the artist

  Poul Henningsen, also known as PH, was a Danish polymath who made significant contributions as an author, critic, architect, and designer. Particularly prominent during the interwar period, he played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Denmark.

  Henningsen's name became synonymous with his remarkable creation, the PH-lamp series. These lamps revolutionized lighting design by providing a solution for glare-free illumination.

  Through meticulous analysis and experimentation, he developed a unique approach that involved skillfully manipulating the reflection and diffusion of light rays emitted by the bulb. The result was a warm and gentle radiance that eliminated harshness and discomfort.

  Collaborating closely with the renowned Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen, Henningsen established a lifelong partnership that brought his ingenious designs to life.

  Poulsen's skilled craftsmanship translated his vision into reality, producing light fixtures that embodied both functionality and aesthetics. Today, Henningsen's groundbreaking works of Danish modern design are revered and exhibited in numerous museums worldwide, showcasing the enduring legacy of his creative genius.

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