Scandinavian Design 
7 November 2024
Scandinavian Design 
131

Poul Henningsen

Artichoke lamp

Louis Poulsen
Denmark, 1957 / 1958
enameled steel, polished steel 28 h × 24 dia in (71 × 61 cm)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $6,300
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Decal manufacturer label to top ‘Louis Poulsen Inc. 1958’.
provenance: Collection of Peter Leinson, Charlotte | Leland Little, Hillsborough, NC | Winter Modern Art and Design, 26 January 2023, Lot 3193 | Private Collection
literature: Light Years Ahead: The Story of the PH Lamp, Jorstian and Nielsen, ppg. 276-278

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Celebrating Natural Forms in Henningsen's Lighting

The Langelinie Pavilion in 1958

Henningsen's celebrated Artichoke lamp, along with the Plate ceiling lamp, was originally designed for the Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen. The pavilion is situated between Langlelinie Kaj and Kastellet, a 17th century military fortress and was originally built in 1885 by a boating club and replaced in 1902 by a yachting club. It was destroyed during WWII and in 1954 there was a competition to build a new structure. The winning design, by Eva and Nils Koppel was starkly modern compared to the previous building and echoed the ideals of the International Style. 

Henningsen was commissioned to design the lighting for the pavilion's dining areas, as he had, in previous years, been an advocate of creating restaurant interiors that were lively and had a distinct character. Henningsen's festive light fixtures warmed the rational, linear, glass spaces of the pavilion.

The Artichoke lamp and Plate lamp at the Langelinie Pavilion, 1959
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