Wall Lamps Model "Elongated Lamp" or "Langlyslampen"
Manufactured by Louis Poulsen
Denmark, 1930s
Lacquered metal, Glass
Measurements
7 x 12,5 x 37h cm
2,8 x 4,9 x 14,6h in
Provenance
Private Ownership, Denmark
Literature
Light Years Ahead - The story of the PH lamp, T. Jørstian & P. E. Nielsen, Louis Poulsen, 1994, ill. p. 245.
Biography
Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a Danish designer, architect, and cultural critic, best known for his groundbreaking contributions to lighting design. A key figure in the Scandinavian modernist movement, Henningsen's work focused on creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs that improved everyday life. His most iconic creation, the PH Lamp series, revolutionized the way light could be shaped and diffused to reduce glare and create a warm, atmospheric glow.
Born into a family of artists and intellectuals, Henningsen’s deep interest in the quality of light led him to develop a scientific approach to lighting design. His early studies culminated in the development of multi-shade lamps, most notably the PH5 pendant light, introduced in 1925. By using layered, curved shades, Henningsen was able to diffuse light in multiple directions, ensuring both functionality and comfort. His designs became synonymous with Danish modernism, balancing simplicity, form, and utility in a way that felt timeless yet highly innovative.
Henningsen’s influence extended beyond lighting. As a social critic and writer, he was deeply engaged in political and cultural debates, using his platform to advocate for progressive ideas in Danish society. His commitment to improving everyday life through design, paired with his belief in the democratization of art and functionality, made him a key figure in 20th-century design history.
Today, Poul Henningsen's lighting designs are iconic and highly collectible, continuing to be produced by the renowned Danish brand Louis Poulsen. His work remains a staple in design galleries and collections around the world, appreciated for its balance of form, function, and innovation.
