Poul Henningsen was born in 1894 in Ordrup, Denmark. He used science in the design of his lamps by analyzing how lampshades distribute light. His lamps have been called essentially `reflection machines´ because their complex shades not only prevent the glare but also direct the light in the right places.
He used this theory many times with a variety of materials such as glass and copper. His Artichoke light has many overlapping leaves that cast the light over a large area and the use of copper creates an inviting glow to the light. His lamps are striking, imposing, and sometimes confusing. They were mass produced for a variety of places from night clubs to tennis courts and continue to be popular today in Denmark.
A part from lamps he also designed tubular steel furniture including the Snake Chair which is formed from one steel tube that creates the base, the seat and the back of the chair.