THE STORY BEHIND

WHO DESIGNED THAT? Danish designer Poul Henningsen (18941967) created the first PH pendant in 1925 and the PH 5 in 1958, both in collaboration with the Danish manufacturer Louis Poulsen.

THEY LOOK LIKE HATS: That was the idea. Henningsen hated the glare of lightbulbs. The PH and PH 5 were contrived to diffuse their harsh, bright light more softly.

HOW? The PH has a three-shade system and the PH 5 five shades to direct most of the light downwards, away from your eyes. ‘With the new PH 5, I surrender to the light bulb manufacturers,’ said Henningsen. It’s one of Louis Poulsen’s best sellers. AND NOW? The PH 5 is 60 years old next year and, to celebrate, Louis Poulsen is re-releasing the original lamp in eight new colours. CAN I BUY IT? You can, from February next year. Prices start at £625, nest.co.uk.