Poul Henningsen
(Danish, 1894–1967)
Biography
Poul Henningsen was a Danish architect, designer, and writer known for producing many styles of lamps including the PH Artichoke Lamp (1958). Henningsen believed that glare from an electric light was detrimental to human well-being, so his lamps directed light downward to create a diffuse effect. “The technician should never forget that he is an artist, the artist never that he is a technician,” he once said. Born on September 9, 1894 in Copenhagen, Denmark, he was son of the activist Agnes Henningsen. He grew up in a progressive household and went on to study architecture in both Frederiksberg and Copenhagen. After graduating, Henningsen freelanced as an architect and journalist, and developed a reputation as an outspoken critic of conservative politics. In 1925, he created the first of his multi-shade lamps which were manufactured by Louise Poulsen. Henningsen went on to serve as the editor for the left-wing newspaper Kritisk Revy. During World War II, he was forced to flee to Sweden, where he continued to write and design. After the war, Henningsen became revered by the younger generation of progressive Danes. The designer died on January 31, 1967 in Hillerød, Denmark. Today, his works are held in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen, among others.
Poul Henningsen Artworks
Poul Henningsen
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