Grandchildren of Philips and Kalff receive anniversary book: 100 years of Philips Design

Eindhoven, 18 October 2025 – On Friday evening, the first copies of the anniversary book 'Philips Design: 100 years of impact' were officially handed over to Jan Kalff, Els Kalff and Frits Philips Jr., grandchildren of former directors Anton Philips and Louis Kalff. Global Head of Design Peter Skillman dedicated the book to all the designers whose designs make a big impact on millions of lives worldwide.

Photo: from left to right: Frits Philips jr., Peter Skillman, Jan Kalff and Els Kalff.

On the eve of Dutch Design Week 2025, Philips reflects on the history and future of design within the group. That history began with the arrival of Louis Kalff. In addition to being the founder of design within Philips, Kalff is also the designer of the classic Philips logo and co-architect of the Evoluon. 

Peter Skillman, Head of Design: '100 years ago, Louis Kalff already believed that empathy is the basis of good design. That has been the ethos of Philips Design for generations. And that will still be the case in 100 years'.

'Proud of Grandpa Kalff'

Many iconic designs from Philips' history and the stories behind them are featured in 'Philips Design: 100 years of impact'. The book will be exclusively for sale at the Philips Museum during and after Dutch Design Week. Jan Kalff, who received the first copy, is proud of his grandfather's legacy: 'We have always been proud of Grandpa Kalff's work, so it is very nice to receive a book about this'.

Learn from designers in the museum

During Dutch Design Week, the exhibition Impact through Design, about 100 years of Philips Design, can be seen free of charge on presentation of a DDW ticket or a Museum Card. A group of designers from the book will also provide the 'Meet the Designers' programme, where they will be present in the Philips Museum for inspiration sessions, guided tours and more. For example, Jens Andersson will give a workshop 'Design your own OneBlade' and Mike de Regt will give one-on-one demonstrations with the ultrasound tool Lumify. The entire program can be found on the museum's website.

Philips Design: 100 years of Impact

Price per book: €24.95
Compiled under the direction of Peter Skillman
Exclusively for sale at the Philips Museum

Visit Philips Museum during Dutch Design Week 2025

Date: 18 t/m 26 October 2025
Time: 11.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: Philips Museum
Exposition: Impact through Design
Address: Emmasingel 31, Eindhoven
Tickets: Reservations are not necessary. Free admission on presentation of a DDW ticket or Museum Card.