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)
Nordic Modern Paavo Tynell Flush Mount, Perforated Brass & Glass, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A commissioned ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and made to order by Taito, dating from the early 1950s. The piece features its original mouth-blown glass shade in a warm champa...
Metal, Brass
Rare Paavo Tynell Adjustable Perforated Brass Ceiling Pendant A1965, Taito 1940s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
An extremely rare earlier version of the model A1965 adjustable ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy in the 1940s in Finland. This version features a sp...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Ceiling Light Model A1965, Perforated Brass Taito 1950s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
The counterweight lamp models showcases Tynell`s genius as a lamp designer. This model makes these lamps suitable for all kinds of rooms with different ceiling heights. This lamp is ...
Metal, Brass
Important Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9062 in Perforated Brass, Taito 1950s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
An important chandelier by world renowned Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell. This exceptional lamp is built to impress and is made of full brass with eight perforated shades placed on a large ring held by four arms from the middle while still giving a floating illusion and lightness to the otherwise very heavy lamp. The shade bases penetrate the floating circle to each hold a spring like decoration that is synonym with Paavo Tynell designs along with the perforation on the shades. This lamp, model 9062 is one of the few Paavo Tynell designs that can steal the show from his iconic snowflake lamps...
Brass, Metal
Paavo Tynell Brass Perforated Adjustable Ceiling Light Model 1965, Taito 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Paavo Tynell created the counter weight lamp design in response to American lamp specifications, that did not allow lamps to hang by electricity cords on their own. The result was a ...
Aluminum, Brass
Paavo Tynell, Perforated Brass Ceiling Pendant Model 1953, Taito 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Very rare ceiling lamp model 1953 in its original condition by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) for Taito. The brass shade is perforated and the diffuser underneath is made ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell for Taito Pendant Lamp Model '1959' in Perforated Brass
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pendant lamp, model '1959', brass, glass, Finland, 1950s. This striking pendant lamp, known as model 1959, is a quintessential design by Finnish lighting ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass, Glass Ceiling Lamp by Taito Oy, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, is a quintessential example of Tynell’s poetic and technically refined app...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model "553" Brass and Glass Ceiling Lamp for Taito, Finland 1940s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
The model “553”hanging lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell in the 1940s and produced by Taito in Finland, is a refined example of Tynell’s ability to merge elegant form with functional li...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Fagerlund
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.0"H x 15.0"D...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Fagerlund
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1950s. Moderate patina brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Fagerlund
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimension...
Brass
