Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system in 1925-1926. The first lights to use this system were designed by Poul Henningsen in collaboration with Louis Poulsen for an exhibition in Paris. This collaboration continued until his death in 1967. Throughout his life, Poul Henningsen sought to achieve glare-free, direct lighting in the essential areas, creating soft shadows with incandescent bulbs as the light source. PH 3/2 Table is part of the 3-shade family that today comprises 30 lights, including three for outdoor use. Henningsen therefore did not just design a light, but an entire system: around a thousand different models were produced over the years. This large collection consisted of table, floor and wall lamps, as well as several chandeliers, which were very popular in the 1930s for lighting private homes with high ceilings. Numerous combination options were possible. The lights were available in different colours and sizes. The first shades were made of metal, with the underlying surface painted white, gold or silver, depending on whether the desired type of lighting was warm and inviting or cooler. Glass was later introduced into the three-shade system. In addition to directing light downwards, glass lamps illuminated the entire room. Henningsen was the first designer to take a scientific approach to lighting, using the lituus or logarithmic spiral as a basis. With this design, Henningsen was able to achieve an even distribution of light over the entire curve of the shade. This even distribution, together with the diffuse reflection through the glass, allowed glare and shadows to be controlled. Each shade reduces the amount of light by the same amount due to their distance from the light source. The model numbers of the PH lamp refer to the size of the shade. Each upper shade has a corresponding middle and lower shade. In “pure” models, such as the 2/2 model, the upper shade is approximately 20 cm wide, with corresponding lower shades. The PH 3/2 Tavolo consists of an upper shade of approximately 30 cm, but the lower shades are those used in the 2/2 model. These “hybrid” models were introduced to allow pendant lamps to be hung at lower heights. The system was also used for wall, table and floor lamps.
Lighting system
The fixture is designed according to the principle of three reflective shades that direct most of the light downwards. The shades are made of three-layer blown opal glass, polished on the upper part and sandblasted matt on the lower part in order to distribute a soft and diffused light.
Product details
Source 1x40W E14
More information
Material: blown opal white glass shades and body and suspended unit in black metallic brass. Cable length: 2.1m. Switch: On the cable. Cable type: Black plastic with plug.
Dimensions and measurements
Dimensions (mm): 285 (Width) x 472 (Height) x 285 (Length)
Weight: 2.9kg
Mounting
Cable type: PVC with plug. Cable length: 2.1m. On/off: In-line switch on the cable.
CUTTING-EDGE AND TIMELESS
Although considered a classic today, when they were originally created, the PH 3/2 and other three-shade lamps designed by Poul Henningsen were very innovative compared to the fabric lampshades of the time. Careful calculations to find the right angles for the shades and the sandblasted underside of the glass are what give the three-shade system its characteristic glare-free light.
POUL HENNINGSEN
Poul Henningsen (1894-1967), a hugely influential Danish designer, architect, writer and cultural critic, had a huge impact on Danish thinking and design. His legacy as an original master of light is an integral part of Louis Poulsen's tradition of creating exceptional light.
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