Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system in 1925-26. Working hand in hand with Louis Poulsen, PH designed the first lamps using this system for an exhibition in Paris. The collaboration between the two continued until his death in 1967. Throughout his life, PH sought to create direct, glare-free lighting where it was most needed. He also used incandescent bulbs as a light source to create soft shadows. The PH 80 is part of the PH family of three-shade luminaires. PH did not simply design a light but an entire system; over the years, some one thousand different models have been created. PH was the first person to take a scientific approach to light and use the lituus curve as a starting point. By using a design based on the lituus curve, he achieved an even distribution of light across the entire curvature of the shade. This even distribution, together with diffuse reflection through the glass, enabled glare and shadows to be controlled. Each shade reduces the amount of light equally thanks to its distance from the light source. The PH 80 follows the same three-shade design, based on the lituus curve. PH80, the lamp model number, does not refer to the diameter of the upper shade, which would normally be the system applied to three-shade models. The lamp was created in 1974 after PH’s death, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of his birth. Hence the name: PH 80. The original PH 80, designed in 1974, features a distinctive red upper reflector that provides warm, ambient lighting. The opal acrylic shades provide an original look, as well as an attractive diffuse, ambient light. The PH 80 would later be released in black and white finish with a smoother base surface compared to the slightly rougher surface of its classic version. The PH 80 in black features a black top plate and white top reflector for a clean, elegant look and pleasant light distribution. The holder and socket housing are made in matt black to contrast beautifully with the acrylic shades and create a more graphic look. The white version gives the PH 80 range a minimalist design with its white top reflector, top plate and holder. The monochrome colour scheme rounds off the PH 80 series with modern, subtle alternatives to the classic PH 80.