Poul Henningsen floor lamp

The PH-2/2 “Water Pump” floor lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in the 1940s, is an exceptionally rare and historically significant example of 20th-century Danish lighting design. This model, named for its distinctive, utilitarian silhouette evocative of an old-fashioned water pump, is one of Henningsen’s most iconic lighting pieces—showcasing his pioneering philosophy of glare-free, layered illumination through elegant geometric form.

Crafted during a period when Henningsen was refining his three-shade system, the PH-2/2 is a scaled variant of his modular lighting concept. The lamp’s glass shades consist of three hand-blown amber-hued opal glass elements in a precise ratio, calibrated to reflect and diffuse light evenly while concealing the bulb from direct view. This approach, rooted in Henningsen’s early experiments with logarithmic spirals, eliminates glare and casts a soft, ambient glow ideal for reading or task lighting.

The body of the lamp is constructed in solid brass, which has developed a rich, golden patina over the decades. This natural aging underscores the lamp’s vintage character while adding depth and warmth to its industrial-modern aesthetic. The structure includes an adjustable arm—pivoting around a central brass joint—that enables the lamp head to be repositioned for directional lighting. This articulated feature is both practical and visually distinctive, providing the design with its evocative “water pump” form.

The base is a simple, weighted disc in blackened metal, offering understated stability and providing tonal contrast to the polished brass. The balance of these materials—functional and decorative—speaks to Henningsen’s mastery in creating objects that are both technologically innovative and aesthetically harmonious.

Louis Poulsen, Denmark’s most esteemed lighting manufacturer, played a critical role in the realization of Henningsen’s work. Their partnership began in the 1920s and spanned decades, producing some of the most iconic lighting objects in modern design history. The PH-2/2 Water Pump model is among the rarer Louis Poulsen productions, with early examples like this one commanding significant historical and collector interest due to their limited original production and surviving condition.

In terms of condition, this lamp is remarkably well-preserved for its age. The original amber glass shades remain intact, free of cracks or major blemishes, with their warm tone enhancing the soft, diffused light. The brass elements show age-appropriate wear, including minor scratches and a developed patina, which add to the authenticity and appeal of the piece. The adjustable mechanism remains functional, allowing the lamp to be positioned as intended.