Glamtiques: PH Artichoke Pendant

Born in Copenhagen in 1894, Poul Henningsen had a major impact on Danish thinking and design. Known for his work as a writer, journalist and architect, the main focus of his career was on lighting design. He drew the models for his first PH lamps in collaboration with Louis Poulsen in 1924, where he developed the famous three-shade system.

In the late 1950s, architects Eva and Niels Koppel asked Henningsen to design glare-free chandeliers to grace the dining room at the modernist Langelinie Pavilion Restaurant in Copenhagen. The result: the PH Artichoke Pendant, one of the most famous examples of Danish lighting design.

Artichokes are part of the thistle family, which is why the shape of the legendary PH Artichoke Pendant was based on a thistle flower. The craftsmen at Louis Poulsen dedicate the same care and attention to detail when producing this fixture today as Henningsen did in 1958. Each of the 72 laser-cut metal leaves is hung by hand from one of twelve chrome arches in six staggered rows. The light filters through the leaves while shielding the light source from view, creating a warm glow.

The original PH Artichoke was copper. Later versions were available in polished steel, white paint and white glass. Louis Poulsen produced a brushed brass version to celebrate the pendant's 60th anniversary in 2018, along with a dramatic matte version in 2020. The latest edition, the PH Artichoke Pale Rose, is inspired by the rosy hue on the inner sides of the original pendant's leaves. Available in four sizes, this sculptural and timelessly elegant lamp elevates every space.