Close

60 years of the PH Artichoke lamp

We are chronicling the people, places and objects that will stand the test of time.

Artichoke lamp

Artichoke lampOver six decades ago, Poul Henningsen’s fascination and experience with light resulted in the one of the most beautiful, refined and enduring lighting objects of the 20th century.

Born in Copenhagen in 1894, and the son of a famous Danish actress, Poul Henningsen studied at The Technical School at Frederiksberg, Denmark, and then at Technical College in Copenhagen.

He was educated, and initially practiced, as an architect, but achieved greater success – and fame – as writer, critic and lighting designer.

His PH-lamp of 1925 featured the careful, elegant approach that characterised all his designs – manipulating rays from its bulb so that illumination was both uniform and glare-free.

Henningsen is often referred to in Denmark simply as PH, and his initials form part of many of his creations, including that of perhaps his greatest: the PH Artichoke pendant.

This celebrated light fixture was created in 1958 for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant in Copenhagen, where it still hangs – testament to the lasting appeal of its iconic sculptural design.

Though widely known by its English name, PH Artichoke is referred to in many countries by the literal translation of its original Danish name: PH Kogle (conifer cone).

Available in three different sizes and finished in copper, wet painted white or brushed stainless steel, PH Artichoke features 72 laser-cut or stamped leaves, which are carefully positioned to form 12 unique rows of six leaves, and work with the chrome inner diffuser to ensure that the glare-free light is evenly reflected in a unique pattern.

Stainless steel aircraft cables are used to mount the light, which is unusually heavy – typically weighing between eight and 28 kilogrammes.

The PH Artichoke is, and has always been, manufactured by Louis Poulsen Lighting, with much of the production process carried out by hand.

Henningsen’s collaboration with Louis Poulsen began in 1925 and endured until he died. The company also played a role in his literary success – with its then-CEO, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen, giving editorship of its own magazine to the designer as a gift, following his dismissal from a Danish newspaper due to his radical opinions.

louispoulsen.com

Read more features here.

The Latest

Design Take: Inside the Royal Suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem

With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.

Elevated Living

Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism

Quiet Luxury

Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home

Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Stillness, Form and Function

Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry

From Private to Public

How ELE Interior is reshaping hospitality and commercial spaces around the world – while staying unmistakably itself

A collaborative design journey

A Life By Design (ALBD) Group and Condor Developers have collaborated on some standout spaces in Dubai

Ahmed Bukhash podcast

New Episode: In Design With: Ahmed Bukhash

Watch the latest episode on In Design With.

Highlights of the Biennale Architettura 2025

We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor – July/August 2025

Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Things to Covet

Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Passion

We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces