Palle Suenson wall lamps

This pair of wall lamps was designed by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1970s. The design reflects the architectural clarity and material honesty that characterize Suenson’s work. These lamps were originally installed at the Lions College on Tuborgvej in Hellerup, a building designed by Suenson himself, integrating lighting as part of the architectural whole.

The lamps feature a simple yet striking half-sphere form. Each consists of a polished brass upper hemisphere and a matte acrylic lower dome. The brass caps have developed a rich, naturally aged patina, marked by surface variations, scratches, and wear consistent with decades of use. The acrylic globes are a warm off-white color, providing a diffuse glow when illuminated. One of the acrylic shades shows a small crack, which is visible on close inspection but does not compromise the structural integrity or the overall aesthetic of the lamp.

Palle Suenson (1904–1987) was a prominent Danish architect known for his modernist buildings and interiors. His architectural practice, active from the 1930s onward, emphasized functional clarity and refined simplicity, often incorporating custom-designed lighting and furniture into his projects. Louis Poulsen, the producer of these lamps, was a long-established lighting manufacturer with a reputation for collaborating with leading Danish designers and architects to create lighting solutions that integrate seamlessly with architectural environments.

The condition of these lamps is good, considering their age and provenance. The brass shows its original patination with some oxidation and scratches from use, while the acrylic retains its smooth matte finish except for the mentioned crack in one shade. They remain fully functional and ready for installation, representing a rare opportunity to acquire authentic architectural lighting from a documented historical context.

The dimensions of each lamp are 28.5 cm in width, 20 cm in depth, and 25 cm in height, which corresponds approximately to 11.2 inches wide, 7.9 inches deep, and 9.8 inches high. Their compact hemispherical form makes them ideal for installation in hallways, staircases, or architectural spaces where understated yet sculptural lighting is desired.