Best known for his iconic collection of PH lamps, Poul Henningsen is often known in his home country of Denmark as just that - PH. Like many of his compatriots, Henningsen studied architecture. But unlike his peers, he eventually turned away from the field to focus on twin careers as a designer and writer. While he wrote many articles, poems and even made a film, his legacy lies largely with interior design.

Designing his first set of lamps in the 1920s, his work won first prize in a French industrial design competition. This early success saw Henningsen continuing to experiment and create table, wall lamps and floor lamps in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. His pioneering work in the interior lighting field would see many to consider him as the world’s first “lighting architect”.

One of Henningsen’s primary design principles was to spare people from the direct, dazzling glare of a light. His pieces, like the PH Artichoke, radiated a warmer, soft light while retaining an unmistakable aesthetic.