Louis Poulsen
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| Privately held | |
| Industry | Design |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Founder | Louis Poulsen |
| Headquarters | Gammel Strand 28, DK-1202, Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Number of locations
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Worldwide Showrooms |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
| Products | Luxury lighting |
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Number of employees
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approx. 300 |
| Website | http://www.louispoulsen.com |
Louis Poulsen is a Danish lighting manufacturer that was founded in 1874. Louis Poulsen Lighting is represented by subsidiaries, distribution offices and agents around the world. Their key sales regions are Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and United States. Some of Louis Poulsen's best designers were Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen. Some of their signature products are the PH-Lamps.
In 1874 Ludvig R. Poulsen sets up a wine importing business under the name Kjøbenhavns direkte Vin-Import-Kompagni (The Copenhagen Direct Wine Import Company). The firm closed down in 1878. In 1892 Ludvig Poulsen opened his second business, this time selling tools and electrical supplies. In 1896 Ludvig R. Poulsen hires his nephew, Louis Poulsen. Ludvig R. Poulsen dies in 1906. His nephew Louis takes over the business and, two years later, moves it to Nyhavn 11, which is still the domicile of the company's head office today. Five years later, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen becomes a partner in the firm, whose name is changed to Louis Poulsen & Co. In 1914 Louis Poulsen & Co. publishes its first catalogue – featuring machines and tools. In 1917, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen buys Louis Poulsen's share in the firm for 10,000 Danish kroner and becomes the sole owner of Louis Poulsen & Co.
Designer Poul Henningsen begins working together with Louis Poulsen in 1924, with a view to taking part in an international exhibition for decorative art to be held in Paris called "Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs & Industriels Modernes". A competition is held to find qualified participants: Henningsen is one of the winners. Next year, Poul Henningsen's lamps earn Gold medals in this exhibition.
In 1926 Louis Poulsen and Poul Henningsen are awarded a contract to provide lighting for the newly constructed Forum building in Copenhagen using the now-legendary PH lamp with three shades system.
Louis Poulsen starts marketing light fittings, and its first lighting catalogue is published with descriptions in Danish, German, English and French. In 1941, at the time of World War II, Louis Poulsen & Co. A/S acquires the Laurits Henriksen metal goods factory in Copenhagen and becomes a manufacturer of lighting fittings.
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