Last few weeks to nab Poul Henningsen's design classic

More than 60 years have passed since Louis Poulsen first presented this timeless piece to the world. Designed by the celebrated pioneer of Danish lighting, Poul Henningsen, this reading lamp was introduced in 1957 – and due to its distinctive design, was immediately dubbed "The Water Pump."

Henningsen first saw electric light in 1907 and dedicated most of his life to taming and refining the phenomenon. His lifelong collaboration with manufacturerLouis Poulsen began in 1924. Seeking to reduce glare and enhance illumination, Henningsen developed his revolutionary three-shade system in 1926, achieving softly diffused lighting that was pleasing to the eye and created more comfortable and inviting spaces for work and life.

The designer’s partnership with Louis Poulsen went on to give the world such classics as the PH 5, the PH Artichoke, and the PH Snowball.

In honour of Poul Henningsen’s legacy, the PH 3/2 Amber-Coloured Glass Floor Lamp was chosen as Louis Poulsen’s 2019 PH Limited Edition – and will only be available to buy until 31st December 2019.

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The Water Pump has Henningsen’s famous three-shade system from 1926, which he invented to reduce glare and enhance illumination. The shades are made of mouth-blown amber-coloured glass, golden on both sides and slightly translucent, which produces a warm light. The base, stem, and arm are made of untreated brushed brass that will patinate beautifully and look better over time.

The original reading lamp from 1952 was introduced to replace pre-war models. The 3/2 shades, which stood on a glossy brass foot, were comprised of a yellow/white metal top shade, and middle and lower shades made of white opal glass.

This design provided perfect lighting for reading, knitting, and sewing in the evenings. Today, the new amber-coloured glass shades create exceptional lighting and ambiance, adding an elegant touch to this century's interiors.

Henningsen’s pioneering work with the relationship between light structures, shadows, glare, and colour reproduction – and his fascination with the human need for both darkness and light – remain the foundation of Louis Poulsen’s lighting philosophy.

Founded in 1874, Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen creates products that encompass the duality of design and light. In close partnership with designers and architects like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Øivind Slaatto, Alfred Homann, Oki Sato and GamFratesi, Louis Poulsen is one of the world's key suppliers of architectural and decorative lighting.

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Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.