Monique Faber Q&A
Danish lighting brand Louis Poulson is marking 150 years in business, with the publication of a book about its history (First House of Light, published by Phaidon), limited-edition versions of classic products and a year-long celebration. DA/UK spoke to its chief design officer, Monique Faber, about how the history of Louis Poulsen traces our own changing relationship with electric light
DESIGN ANTHOLOGY UK: What are Louis Poulsen’s roots – how did it all start 150 years ago?
MF: The story begins in the late 19th century with Ludvig R Poulsen, a Danish entrepreneur who initially ventured into the wine import business; in 1874, he faced a significant setback when a fire destroyed his warehouse, forcing him to reconsider his business direction. Around the same time, the electrification of Denmark was gaining momentum, sparking interest in electric lighting. Recognising the potential in this emerging industry, in 1892 he founded a new company named Louis Poulsen & Co, and redirected his focus towards electrical supplies and lighting fixtures.
DA: So, does the history of Louis Poulsen trace the history of our wider relationship with electric lighting?
MF: The company’s history parallels the broader narrative of our evolving relationship with electric lighting, from its early adoption to its central role in contemporary design and architecture. Over the decades, from the early incandescent bulbs to the emergence of fluorescent and LED lighting, the company adapted its designs to incorporate new technologies while maintaining its focus on timeless aesthetics and functionality.
DA: How will you be celebrating the anniversary?
MF: We have introduced a special anniversary collection, with a series of our most iconic designs being transformed into unique and collectible pieces with a pale rose hue on the inside of the shades and brass details.
The pale rose colour is inspired by Poul Henningsen’s original PH Artichoke design from 1958. This tone gives warmth to the light that the fixtures emit, adding an extra touch of hygge to the spaces they illuminate. We are so happy with the result and were able to give these icons a new and appealing look and feel.
These versions of the PH 5 and AJ Mini will only be available in 2024, while the PH Artichoke anniversary edition is limited to 300 pieces for both available sizes. We will add more designs to the anniversary collection throughout the year, so stay tuned.
DA: What are some of the major milestones along the way that you would pick out from Louis Poulsen’s history?
MF: One of the pivotal moments came with the collaboration between Ludvig’s son, Sophus Frederik Poulsen, and Poul Henningsen in the 1920s. Together, they developed the groundbreaking PH lamp series, which revolutionised the concept of glare-free, reflected and diffused light, through its innovative three-shade system. This design not only provided superior illumination but also offered visual comfort, setting a new standard in lighting design. Poul Henningsen’s work concerning the relationship between light, shadows, glare and colour reproduction laid the foundation of the lighting philosophy still practiced by Louis Poulsen.
In 1960, Arne Jacobsen launched his AJ lamps, designed for the SAS Royal Hotel, for which he was also the architect; many of the items from the hotel have become design classics and collectibles. And in 1971 the designer and architect Verner Panton created the Panthella lamp: he intended to create a light where both the stand and the shade served as a reflector, combining it with the organic shapes the Danish designer is known for. It’s a beautiful example of his brilliant sense of creating atmospheric illumination.
We have always seen light as our material: a material that can be shaped to balance light and dark, form and function, modern and classic
DA: How and where are the products made today?
MF: While specific manufacturing processes may vary depending on the product, Louis Poulsen maintains its own production facility in Vejen, Denmark, where most of our products are manufactured. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques, Louis Poulsen continues to uphold its reputation as a leading manufacturer of high-end lighting fixtures.
DA: What values or ideas have stayed the same across Louis Poulsen’s 150-year-old history?
MF: We have always seen light as our material: a material that can be shaped to balance light and dark, form and function, modern and classic. Louis Poulsen has always sought not only to design lamps, but also to shape light and create an atmosphere that makes people feel good, both in and outdoors. The shape of light creates space, and our products should live harmoniously within the space they define – indirect, soft and inviting. That is why we design to shape light.
DA: Louis Poulsen is known for its incredible archive but is it important for you to take the brand to new places?
MF: It’s essential for us to evolve and explore new directions while continuing to honour our rich heritage and legacy. Collaborating with new designers allows us to infuse fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and contemporary aesthetics into our product lineup. In the past years we have collaborated with a series of important contemporary designers, such as Nendo, Øivind Slaatto, Christian Flindt, Louise Campbell, Clara von Zweigbergk, GamFratesi and Anne Boysen. And we will continue to do so.
Venturing into new territories and exploring innovative technologies allows Louis Poulsen to stay at the forefront of lighting design and maintain its reputation as a pioneer in the industry. Whether it’s experimenting with sustainable materials, exploring smart lighting solutions or embracing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, taking the brand to new places ensures that Louis Poulsen sets the standard for excellence.
