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)
Early Paavo Tynell Art Deco Chandelier in Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of Paavo Tynell 1940s early lamps. A marvelous piece with polished and patinated brass with blown glass shades. The lamp is in its original condition. The blown g...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 1280 in Brass, Birch, & Opaline Glass, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful 1940s Art Deco–style ceiling pendant designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito and model number 1280. A refined three-arm pendant in polished brass with a warm birch disc at the...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Art Deco Chandelier Model 1304, Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and exceptionally rare example of Paavo Tynell’s early functionalist lighting from the 1930s, this pendant embodies a quiet yet striking sense of balance and restraint. T...
Brass
Art Deco Nickeled Brass Chandelier with Opaline Glass, Possibly Tynell 1930s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful bijou example of Finnish Art Deco 1930s lamps. The lamp features a nickled (possibly chromed) sleek brass body with three arms topped with blown glass shades and a rod co...
Brass
Early Paavo Tynell Chandelier 1376 in Brass, Birch & Opaline Glass, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early example of Paavo Tynell’s 1930s lighting design, model 1376/3. A decorative piece with a dark stained birch disk in the center, three gracefully curved cast brass a...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 1382 in Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito Finland 1950
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and early Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp, model 1382, manufactured by Taito. This lamp was originally ordered for the Julkvärvi Camping resort, a retreat for Finlayson employe...
Brass
Model 1425 Art Deco Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 1425 pendant, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass frame, string wrapping, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina. Small ch...
Brass
Rare Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 1456/5 for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully preserved early chandelier by Paavo Tynell, Model 1456/5, produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. This exceptional piece highlights Tynell’s signature fusion of elegance and...
Brass
Model 1374 Five-Light Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
An elegant Model 1374 five-light chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1930s. Executed in brass, the chandelier displays Paavo Tynel...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Pendant Model 1348, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pendant model 1348, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930s. Nickel-plated brass and glass frame. Fabric shades reupholstered with quality model Manor- fabric by Lauritz...
Brass, Nickel
Art Deco Pendant Lamp in brass and milk glass, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Art Deco pendant lamp in brass and milk glass, 1940s E27 bulb. Glass intact, good condition. This type of chandelier, often called a "plafonnier," consists of a metal frame that supp...
Brass
Chandelier Model 1374/5 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare early chandelier by Paavo Tynell, produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s as Model 1374/5. This five-arm design combines brass, painted metal and softly opaline glass shades, reflec...
Metal, Brass
