Louis Poulsen

Began as a wine importer in Copenhagen and became an electrical firm. Since the 1920s it has made Poul Henningsen’s PH lamps, and later lamps by Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton.

Ludvig R. Poulsen took over a wine business in Copenhagen and moved into electrical installations and tools. Louis Poulsen began working with Poul Henningsen in 1924, and the PH lamp, with several shades that spread the light without glare, came in 1925.

The PH 5 of 1958 and the PH Artichoke pendant for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant became classics. Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton also designed for the firm, and Panton's Panthella came in 1971.

Markings on a label or stamped into the fitting; the shades and mounts of the PH lamps changed over time and help with dating.

• Lighting
• PH 5
• Poul Henningsen