Poul Henningsen, "Anchor Crown", 3/2 pat appl., 1920s.

POUL HENNINGSEN (Denmark, 1894 - 1967) for LOUIS POULSEN & CO.
Suspension lamp "Anchor Crown", 3/2 pat appl. 1920s.
Structure in antiqued brass.
Copper lampshades later painted red.
Measurements: 70 cm (height); 93 cm (diameter).

This Poul Henningsen suspension lamp model 3/2 "Anchor Crown", designed in the late 1920s, is an early and rare piece in the celebrated PH series. Conceived by Henningsen during his collaboration with Louis Poulsen, it represents one of the first experiments in translating his system of three overlapping shades (based on controlled light reflection) to a chandelier structure or multiple lamp.

The lamp is made of patinated brass in a dark brown tone, with an aged finish that highlights the sober elegance of the metal. From the central structure (composed of a tubular shaft with harmoniously curved arms) several points of light are derived, each crowned by the characteristic set of red-painted copper shades, arranged in three concentric levels (3/2), following Henningsen's optical principle: a uniform and glare-free distribution.

The muted red tone of the copper gives the piece a warm presence, providing a softly tinted light and a sculptural character that contrasts with the dark metal structure.

The name "Anchor Crown" alludes to the design of its upper suspension, in which the central body acts as the anchor axis for the arms, recalling the stylized form of a nautical crown.

Because of its rarity, age and quality of execution, this Henningsen lamp is a highly valued collector's item, both for its relevance in the history of Scandinavian design and for its status as an early testimony to the Danish designer's lighting thought, in which science and poetry merge in an impeccable balance.

Poul Henningsen began his prolific career in lamp design in the early 20th century. In 1924, after 10 years of scientific studies, he began working with Louis Poulsen on his unique system of lampshades with which he sought to obtain a soft, warm light that would not dazzle.Danish designer, architect and critic, Poul Henningsen was one of the key figures in the cultural life of Denmark in the interwar period. He studied architecture between 1911 and 1917, but never graduated, as he decided to become an inventor and painter. Nevertheless, he worked as an architect and became one of the most prominent advocates of functionalism. In his career as a designer, his most famous creation was the "PH Artichoke" lamp, a simple lamp that used hallmarks of light to avoid glare and create an aesthetic effect of great beauty. Its success enabled Henningsen to finance his later work. He is currently representing at the Danish Museum of Art and Design, the MoMA in New York and the Victoria & Albert in London, among many others.