Description
PH5 & PH50
Poul Henningsen developed the PH 5 in 1958 in response to constant changes to the shape and size of incandescent bulbs by bulb manufacturers. At the introduction of the PH 5, Poul Henningsen wrote the following: “After 33 years of basically Christian behaviour I have converted to Islam in my relationship to the manufacture of incandescent bulbs. For a generation I have believed that consideration for the consumer and common sense would prevail, but now I have become a fatalist. I have accepted fate, and with Louis Poulsen´s permission I have designed a PH fixture which can be used with any kind of light source, Christmas lights and 100 W metal-filament bulbs.
Although a fluorescent tube would be too much to ask in the existing form!”. The PH 5 was introduced as a classic new product, and no one knew at the time that it would eventually become synonymous with the PH light. Irrespective of how the light is installed or the light source used, the PH 5 is and remains completely glare-free. The fixture was christened pH 5 due to the 50 cm diameter of the main shade. Poul Henningsen wanted to improve the colour reproduction characteristics of the light source in the PH 5.
Small red and blue shades were therefore inserted to supplement the colour in the part of the spectrum where the eye is least sensitive – the red and blue areas – thereby subduing the light in the middle yellow-green region where the eye is most sensitive. The PH 5 design has been regularly updated as light sources have developed. The PH 5 plus, designed for use with energy-saving bulbs, was introduced in 1994. To achieve higher efficiency, the metal plate was replaced with frosted glass and the light was painted using a purer white colour. To mark the 50th anniversary of the PH 5 in 2008, the PH50 was introduced – a high-gloss version in five new colours. In 2013 the PH 5 was introduced in 4 new matt colour combinations.
DESIGNER
Poul Henningsen was born in Copenhagen by the famous Danish actress Agnes Henningsen. He never graduated as an architect, but studied at The Technical School at Frederiksberg, Denmark from 1911-14, and then at Technical College in Copenhagen from 1914-17.
He started practicing traditional functionalistic architecture, but over the years his professional interests changed to focus mainly on lighting which is what he is most famous for. He also expanded his field of occupation into areas of writing, becoming a journalist and an author. For a short period at the beginning of WWII, he was the head architect of the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. But like many other creative people, he was forced to flee Denmark during the German occupation but soon became a vital part of the Danish colony of artists living in Sweden.
His lifelong collaboration with Louis Poulsen began in 1925 and lasted until his death. To this day, Louis Poulsen still benefits from his genius. Poul Henningsen was also the first editor of the company magazine “NYT”. The CEO of Louis Poulsen at the time, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen, gave the magazine to PH as a gift because he had been terminated from the Danish newspaper he worked for (his opinions were too radical).
Poul Henningsen’s pioneering work concerning the relations between light structures, shadows, glare, and color reproduction—compared to man’s need for light remains the fondation of the lighting theories still practiced by Louis Poulsen.
Design:
Poul Henningsen
Concept:
The fixture provides 100% glare-free light. Its design is based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system, which directs majority of the light downwards. The fixture emits both downward and lateral light, thus illuminating itself. In the PH 5 Classic, a warmer tone of light is created by the inside red cone and a small blue reflector.
Finish:
PH 50: Chili red, coconut white, mint blue, olive black or wasabi green, glossy, wet lacquered. PH 5 Classic: White, matt coated. PH 5: White/Pale rose, Dark Grey/Turquoise, Army/Dark Grey, Pale Rose/Green, matt coated.
Material:
Shades: Spun aluminium. Anti-glare disc: Blue, red, pale rose, green, dark grey or turquiose, spun aluminium. Struts: Aluminium coloured, purple or bronze coloured, rolled aluminium.
Mounting:
Suspension type: Cable 3×0,75mm². Canopy: Yes. Cable length: 3m.
Weight:
Min: 1.3 kg Max: 2.4 kg
Class:
Ingress protection IP20. Electric shock protection I w. ground.
Info notes:
PH 5 is painted with matt surface. PH 50 is painted with high-lustre surface.
Specification notes:
The innovation of light sources is ongoing. Consequently we only inform about the max. wattages. On www.louispoulsen.com we update a list of recommendable light sources.
Not repairable? Don't throw it away...
It is a good thing to repair things to protect environment and save some money, but sometimes a repair costs too much money and is not worth it, or needs special experiences you not have.
In this case, it can be a good decision to buy new.
PAY BACK – WE BUY THE OLD ONE
If the item you tried to repair still have some good parts, you can send us an email with some pictures, and your asking price, to offer us the old item as parts donor.
