Paavo Tynell was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed “the man who illuminated Finland.” Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy — the first industrial producer of lamps and other lighting fixtures in Finland. With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad.
Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, during which he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, Alvar Aalto being the most notable one. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Aalto’s major projects including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.
Tynell was especially praised for his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company Lightolier.
A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lighting echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells.
Find antique Paavo Tynell chandeliers and pendants, floor lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Side Gallery)
Pair of Wrought Iron Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1920
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
An exceptionally rare pair of wrought iron candelabra KJ12 designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1920s. These sculptural candelabra beautifully ill...
Wrought Iron
Paavo Tynell Candelabra Model KJ-14 From 1930's By Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
Paavo Tynell KJ14 Candelabra, Taito Oy, Finland. This specific candelabra is in mint condition, as seen on the photos. An exceptional example of Finnish mid-century design, the KJ14...
Brass
Early Paavo Tynell Candelabra Model KJ 2, Nikled Brass, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare early work by Finnish master Paavo Tynell, this nickel-brass candle holder showcases the designer’s skill beyond his iconic lighting. Crafted in a timeless classical style, it...
Brass
Paavo Tynell & Taito, Pair of Art Deco Silver Plated Candelabra, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pair of Art Deco silver plated metal candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Model 8026. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1930s. Manufacturer's stamp on both. Literature: OY Taito AB catalo...
Pewter
Rare Scandinavian Modern Candelabra, Paavo tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare Scandinavian Modern candelabra, design Paavo tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Paavo Tynell (189...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Candelabra From 1930's By Taito Oy For Yhtyneet Paperitehtaat
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
Paavo Tynell KJ14 Candelabra, Taito Oy, Finland. Specially designed for finnish paper company, Yhtyneet Paperitehtaat. This specific model is way more lighter than the same model on ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model "162" Brass Candelabra for Taito Oy, Finland ca 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This candelabra was designed by the well-know Finnish designer Paavo Tynell. Widely referred to as the "the man who illuminated Finland", Paavo Tynell was a true master of light. Bor...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price|24% Off
Small Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
A Classic Paavo Tynell Bronze Candelabra This small candelabra is a classic design by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, unique candelabre made in iron in the late 60's.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Unique Paavo Tynell Candelabre. After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a s...
Iron
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of Model 8013 candelabras designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. Executed in nickel-plated brass, these elegant three-arm candleholders captur...
Brass, Nickel
$2,833Sale Price|24% Off
Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Brass candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1920/1930s. This piece is a classic Paavo Tynell chandelier for Taito Oy, which was made in different sizes. Mar...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Seven-Arm Candelabra for Taito Oy, Finland, 1920s–1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A decorative candelabra designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, dating from the 1920s–1930s. The piece features gracefully curved arms with delicate ornamental detailing, supporting m...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Hand Made Candelabra circa 1960, Nickel Brass, Finland
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his carrier Paavo Tynell himself hand crafted a serie of candelabra that he made in nickel brass. From this collection this example has been hand crafted by Paavo Tynel...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell Massive Candelabre, Nickel Brass, circa 1960
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nick...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell Candelabra for Taito circa 1950 in Solid Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Exceptional candelabra design by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito, this example has an incredible patina and has been produced in the early 50's. Everything is in really good condi...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass Candle Holders for Taito
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really nice candel holder design in the 50's by Paavo Tynell and produced by TAITO oy. Paavo Tynell designed a lot of other items in addition to lamps and chandeliers. These candle h...
Brass
Minimalistic Handmade Paavo Tynell Tin Candelabra, 1960s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
In addition to his iconic brass lamps, Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) designed candle holders and other metal items. This candle holder is such an example and was handmade late in his care...
Metal
$2,833Sale Price|24% Off
H 14.38 in W 20.08 in D 5.52 in
Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Brass candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1920/1930s. This piece is a classic Paavo Tynell chandelier for Taito Oy, which was made in different sizes. Mar...
Brass
Art Deco Terracotta Candelabra, France, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming Art Deco candelabra with a deep, verdigris patina. Lovely, chunky design.
Terracotta
Pair of Danish Art Deco Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of Danish Art Deco pewter candelabras designed by Just Andersen, dating from the early 1930s. Each candelabra features a sculptural, organic form with gracefully curved ...
Pewter
$2,092 / set
H 6.89 in W 10.63 in D 4.34 in
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of Model 8013 candelabras designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. Executed in nickel-plated brass, these elegant three-arm candleholders captur...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of Italian Wrought Iron Candelabras
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian wrought iron two candle candelabras with telescopic tapered spike and terminating on tripod stylized penny feet. Dealers pleas...
Paavo Tynell decorative vase in solid brass model 13, Taito circa 1940.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare Paavo Tynell cup made in solid brass, model 13 for Taito. Paavo Tynell made a range of cup and decoration object, this one is one of the most elegant and rarest of all. Tynell m...
Brass
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Sweden, 1930s, by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the patinat...
Bronze
Pair of Italian Baroque Wrought Iron Five Light Candelabra
Located in Stamford, CT
An unusual and gutsy pair of 19th century Italian Baroque style wrought iron torcheres or candelabra. With braided iron arms and legs, hand cut iron leaves and punch decorated shaft....
Wrought Iron
Finnish Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/30s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant and very decorative seven-light candelabra designed by Paavo Tynell. Executed in tinned brass with gracefully sweeping volute-shaped arms and subtle ornamental details in a r...
Brass, Pewter
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra by LYFA, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, Lyfa, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A bronze Art Deco candelabra with amazing patina. Made by LYFA, Denmark, early 1930s. Good condition, only a few light scratches. Stamped with makers mark.
Bronze
Paavo Tynell Candelholder circa 1960, Nikel Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his artistic journey Paavo Tynell himself handcraft one last collection of candelholder that this model is part of. Made in nickel brass this candel holders is made of ...
Brass
$983 / set
H 9.65 in W 6.89 in D 6.89 in
Pair Of English Art Deco Large Silver Plated Candlesticks 1930s
Located in Norwich, England
Pair of Art Deco large silver plated candlesticks. Stamped 'Made in England'. Circa 1930. The candlesticks have a good strong form, having faceted tapering stems. They are in good ...
Silver Plate
Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell This bronze candelabra is a shimmering work of art by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in Finland by Taito Oy in the 1920s ...
Brass
Small Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
This small bronze candelabra is a classic design by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in Finland by Taito Oy in the 1920s or 1930s. Tynell's candeholders are ...
Brass