Louis Poulsen

Louis Poulsen is a Danish lighting company, one of the most representative of the Scandinavian design tradition where "form follows function".

The ancient origin of the company is due to Ludvig Poulsen who in 1892 opened the business of selling tools and electrical supplies. In 1896 he hired his nephew, who took over the company on his death in 1906.

In 2019, after some transfers, the company moves to Holmen, Copenhagen, its current headquarters. Five years later, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen becomes a partner. The name of the company also changes and becomes Louis Poulsen & Co.

In 1914 Louis Poulsen & Co. publishes its first catalog, containing machines and tools. In 1917, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen buys the stake in Louis Poulsen and becomes the sole owner of Louis Poulsen & Co.

Since 1938, Louis Poulsen & Co. has been led by civil engineer Emun Rager (1884-1959) as managing director, from the date of Kaastrup-Olsen's death.
On 1 November 1939 it was transformed into a joint stock company.

In 1941 Henriksens Metalvarefabrik joined Louis Poulsen & Co. in the production of lighting fixtures. The same year LP-NYT magazine was launched with Poul Henningsen as editor.

Over the years, various directors have led the company, new offices are purchased and new branches are opened. In addition, several suppliers of various technical components are acquired.

In recent times (2007) Louis Poulsen Lighting was taken over by the Italian lighting company Targetti Sankey SpA of Florence, which changed its name to Targetti Poulsen. In 2014, Louis Poulsen Lighting was bought back by the Danish private equity fund Polaris.

Among the best known products of the Danish company Louis Poulsen, the entire PH suspension series, designed by Danish designer Poul Henningsen, should be mentioned.
This series, with the PH5 and PH Septima models, is very representative of Louis Poulsen's style and design philosophy.

Louis Poulsen collaborated with designers:
Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, King-Miranda Associati