The PH Snowball pendant is considered a scaled back version of the famous PH Louvre lamp by Poul Henningsen made for the Adventist Church in Skodsborg, Denmark. Unlike the PH Louvre, the number of shades is reduced to eight, mounted on three rods, and the diameter of the lamp is also reduced due to the fact that it was designed for lower ceiling spaces. This lamp was first showcased in 1958 with the PH 5 and the PH Artichoke, but it did not receive the same attention as the other two pendants. It was only in 1983 that the design was revised and the lamp was finally produced. Now produced by Louis Poulsen, it is made with white lampshades with a shiny upper part to create sparkling light and a matt lower part to avoid reflections from the light source. When the light is switched on, the upper part is illuminated while the lower part remains deliberately dark.
Born in 1894 in Denmark, Poul Henningsen studied architecture at the Polytechnic from 1915 to 1917. He studied at the Technical School in Frederiksberg, Denmark, from 1911 to 1914, then at the Technical University of Copenhagen from 1914 to 1917, although he never graduated in architecture. In 1920, the designer began working as a freelance architect, but also worked as a journalist, writing numerous articles for various newspapers.A writer and designer, he was an emblematic figure in Danish cultural life during the two world wars. He went on to work for the famous Danish publisher Louis Poulsen, and quickly achieved international success with his PH lamps, first exhibited in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Poul Henningsen designed timeless lamps whose aestheticism still appeals to vintage design aficionados. PH lamps are all encircled by a number of metal or glass shades that act as reflectors, providing soft, diffused light that's both functional and soft. The design of these luminaires is such that it is impossible to see the light source directly, making them totally glare-free.The technique he developed made him one of the greatest Scandinavian designers of the 20th century.
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LOUIS POULSEN
Danish brand Louis Poulsen was founded in 1874, originating from traditional Scandinavian design where form follows function. Louis Poulsen became the owner of the company in 1906 after the death of his uncle, Ludvig R. Poulsen. Louis Poulsen’s approach to architectural development began when he collaborated with one of the world’s leading lighting designers, Poul Henningsen. In 1924, the designer began collaborating with Louis Poulsen lighting; their objective was to take part in the "International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts". In 1925 the collaboration proved successful and the Poul Henningsen lamps won the gold medal.