About the Collection Louis Poulsen PH 4½
Already in the years 1925/26 Poul Henningsen conceived the three-part light shade, and the first models made in collaboration with Louis Poulsen were displayed at an exhibition in Paris. This collaboration lasted until P. Henningsen's death in 1967. During his lifetime, Poul Henningsen wished to create light fixtures emitting a glare-free light which project soft shadows and guide the light cone to the right spot. The model PH 4½ is one of the models of the series comprising 30 models with three-part shade, three of them being exterior light fixtures. Poul Henningsen's concern was not only to create a light fixture, but a whole system, now comprising about thousand models. The large range includes table, floor and wall lamps and many chandeliers that became more and more popular as suspended interior illumination during the 1930s. There was many possibilities of combination, because the light fixtures were available in various sizes and colours. The first models made of metal had lacquered inner sides in white, gold or silver colours, should the light seem diffuse, warm or cold. Later, the three-part shades were made of glass, so that the light shone not only downwards but also into the room. Poul Henningsen was the first to deal with light on a scientific level and, for this purpose, used a logarithmical spiral. With its aid and the use of glass he achieved an even light distribution and a diffuse reflection, i. e. glare and shadow effects could be influenced at will. Because of the individual shade elements, the lightness is evenly subdued. The numbers designating the models refer to the size of the shade segments. The original light fixtures, as for example the model 2/2 have three segments with a diameter of 20 cm each. The model 4½ is composed of an upper segment with a diamter of 45 cm and two smaller ones below, coming from the model 3½. They were designed because of the wish to have lower hanging suspensions. This model series also includes wall, table and floor lamps. The model PH 4½ in its current shape was introduced into the market in 1990.
View the collection Louis Poulsen PH 4½