Hey readers, for the new year I decided to start a little series called “What Am I Looking At?” Sometimes you see an interesting light fixture in a restaurant or a cool chair in a hotel, but do not realize it’s a famous design or has an interesting history.
I’m kicking it off with the PH Artichoke. You’ve seen this design before. In English we call it the PH Artichoke, but in Danish it is known as the PH Kogle, or conifer cone.
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The PH Artichoke was designed in 1958 by Danish designer, critic and writer Poul Henningsen for the Langelinie Pavillonen, a Copenhagen restaurant. Here’s an image of it in situ:
Image: Louis Poulsen
Henningsen’s greatest design contributions were in the area of illumination. He was a determined crusader against the glaring light of electric bulbs. The PH Artichoke was a triumph for the designer in this regard. It has 72 leaves, positioned so as to provide totally glare-free light from any angle. Henningsen originally designed the fixture with solid copper leaves with a satin finish and with a rose finish on the leaves' interiors. The light created a beautiful, flattering glow as a result. Today it is produced in several colors by the original manufacturer, Louis Poulsen, retailing for approximately $10,000. Of course, reproductions are available elsewhere, and vintage originals are sold as well.
He has been quoted as saying, "The PH is constructed with the most difficult and noble task in mind: lighting in the home. The aim is to beautify the home and those who live there, to make the evening restful and relaxing."