Porcelain to Porcelight design Erik Magnussen

Carl Hansen & Søn presents the Porcelight pendant, welcoming the first design by Erik Magnussen to the collection.

Characteristic of the pendant is its simple, sculptural bone china shade emitting a soft, glare-free light.

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Designed by Erik Magnussen in 1982, the Porcelight pendant is characterised by his pared-down approach, allowing the materials to speak for themselves. Porcelight is crafted in white glazed bone china and appears pure white when switched off, but emits a warm, almost golden light as soon as it is switched on. Available in two sizes, it hangs elegantly both alone and in clusters.

The designer, Erik Magnussen, was a Danish ceramicist, sculptor and designer who graduated with honours from the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts in 1960. Magnussen had a keen interest in experimenting with porcelain and sought to innovate the use of the material by applying it to less traditional product groups, including lighting. Working from this foundation, Magnussen created Porcelight, captivated by the transparency and soft glow of bone china.

On the launch, Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and third generation owner-manager of Carl Hansen & Søn, says: “Our lighting collection has grown significantly in recent years as part of an effort to offer complete interior design solutions – from dining table sets to lighting, and from outdoor furniture to beds. We are therefore pleased to add Porcelight and welcome Erik Magnussen to the collection.”

Magnus Magnussen, son of Erik Magnussen, says: “My father’s lamp has an industrial look, but is based on a natural material. It needs a manufacturer that understands the history and the material, and who is able convey the spirit of the design. I cannot think of a company with a better appreciation of this than Carl Hansen & Søn.”

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