Design moment: Louis Poulsen PH5 c.1958

The history of early and mid-20th century design is packed with products that emerged from competitions where enterprising manufacturers teamed up with young designers to compete – and sometimes this relationship lasted long after the prizes were awarded.

In 1924 Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen and designer Poul Henningsen entered the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs & Industriels Moderne in Paris – their entry won a gold medal and launched a decades-long working relationship involving major commercial commissions and also producing a range of PH lamps - simply called after his initials – which became popular in domestic settings.

The PH5, designed by Henningsen, was first produced in 1958 as a pendant light to hang low over a dining table. This approach to table lighting is a classic European style that took some time to catch on in Ireland but is more common now that open plan eat-in kitchens which double as family rooms have become a favoured layout. The resurgence of interest in mid-20th century design – particularly Scandinavian design – has broadened the appeal of the PH5 and its almost retro space-age, near industrial look.

The “5” in the PH name refers to the 50cm diameter of the largest disc in a shade made up of concentric metal shades with a cone mounted on the top with three aluminium “legs” connecting the elements. The colourways it comes in – and the PH5 is still in production – are muted.

The multiple shades diffuse the light and obscure the bulb which eliminates glare while the red inner cone creates a warm tone. The reflected light is directed both vertically and horizontally. Multiple iterations of the design have been produced such as the gloss-finish PH50 issued to mark the 50th anniversary.