Poul Henningsen

designed for the Main Hall at the University of Århus, Denmark

Johan Møller Nielsen, Wegner: en dansk møbelkunstner, Copenhagen, 1965, p. 73
Grete Jalk, ed., Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar, vol. 4: 1957-1966, Copenhagen, 1987, p. 91
Louis Poulson, Light Years Ahead: The Story of the PH Lamp, Copenhagen, 1994, pp. 266-267

Overall good condition. The aluminum with general, scattered oxidation throughout as well as a few scattered areas of corrosion to the seams and side edges. This is common with aluminum of this age and construction. There are a few seems and screw brackets that appear to have been resoldered; however these are all stable and not visually distracting. An extremely complex construction and assembly, the lamp was produced in very limited quantities. This dramatic ceiling light is true to Henningsen's vision in that it looks like a spiral, drawn in a long single stroke. Illuminated from the bottom, the light strikes all parts of this very thoughtful design.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1942, Poul Henningsen was commissioned to design lighting for the University of Århus. Architect C.F. Møller initially envisioned a theme of balloon-like forms to fill the space of the 19 meter high room. Henningsen further developed this theme, ultimately creating a design for a teardrop shaped spiral form, which looked like it was drawn in one long stroke.  Unlike Henningsen's table and ceiling lights of the early 1930s which dispersed light in a downward motion, here light strikes all parts of this "Spiral " form and "are illuminated at the same angle, reflecting out into the room in the same way."  The aluminium bands are held in place by three arms, calculatingly brazed at the perfect positioning to allow for the proper angle and rising elevation of the design.  Due to the extreme complexity of the lamp construction, as well as the difficult assembly of the design, the result was a notoriously expensive piece produced in limited quantities.