PH 5 300 Pendant Light, Brass - Louis Poulsen

The PH 5 300 brass pendant light is a smaller version of the classic PH 5 pendant light. The lifelong collaboration between Louis Poulsen and Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) began as early as 1924. As an architect, writer and cultural critic, Poul Henningsen was one of the first to recognise the importance of the design of electric lighting. Following his revolutionary development of the three-shade system in 1926, he further refined this system in 1958 and designed the PH 5 pendant light. After analysing the reflective properties of light, the eminent Danish designer created an innovative light characterised by complete glare-free illumination and symmetrical light distribution. His ongoing work in the theory of light – focusing on structures, shadows, glare and colour rendering, and placing the human experience of light at the centre of it all – is still practised at Louis Poulsen today.
Poul Henningsen was, and remains, the most significant designer for Louis Poulsen. The ideas underpinning his iconic designs are widely recognised in the company’s lighting portfolio. He was also a prominent cultural figure of his time, who, alongside his passion for ‘good light’, championed revue, social criticism and satire. The collaboration between Louis Poulsen as a manufacturer and Poul Henningsen as a designer lasted throughout his entire life.
Six decades after Poul Henningsen’s famous PH 5 pendant light first saw the light of day, it remains Louis Poulsen’s best-selling light and a prime example of the revolutionary way in which Henningsen designed light. The original version, with a diameter of 50 cm, was immensely popular and sought-after. So much so that in 2017, Louis Poulsen decided to launch a smaller version measuring just 30 cm – the PH 5 300. To mark the 125th anniversary of PH’s birth, both versions will be launched in 2019 with a brass lampshade.
The PH 5 is the result of Henningsen’s hard work on a completely glare-free pendant light and is a further development of his three-shade system. The light has five lampshades, the lower one of which is concealed beneath the upper four. The design creates a pleasant and inviting atmosphere in which the human experience of light takes centre stage. With its mirrored brass finish, the light elegantly reflects its surroundings within the room – whether it is switched on or off.
Please note: Brass is a natural material and, as such, it changes under the influence of its surroundings; therefore, the brass surface will appear darker and less shiny over time. This is a natural process and each light will develop its own patina. However, if you wish to keep the surface shiny and bright, you can achieve this by using a brass polish. Please note, however: use a special polish suitable for brass or copper; choose a polish containing as few abrasives as possible; use a soft cloth for rubbing and polishing; and use the gloves provided to keep the lamp free of fingerprints.