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)
Large Chandelier by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large, 10 Lights Chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Finland, circa 1950th. Polished brass with opaline glass shades. Similar example is featured at Idman Oy Catalogue....
Brass
Chandelier Paavo Tynell attr. Produced by Idman
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vintage chandelier , design attributed by Paavo Tynell, produced by Idman Oy, Finland , circa 1950th. Brass , crystals, opaline glass shades. Stamped "Idman". Existing wires, rewiri...
Brass
Vintage Modernist Chandelier by Paavo Tynell, Finland, Taito Oy, 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant chandelier by Paavo Tynell, made from brass in a graceful design with curved details. Glass shades in a warm honey nuance and a subtle sheen.
Brass
Large Chandelier by Paavo Tynell , Model K 1-8.
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large Chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Model K 1-8. Finland, Circa 1950th. Eight opaline glass shades on polished brass with lacquered brass leafs. Stamped "IDMAN"....
Brass
Elegant Paavo Tynell Four Arm Chandelier 9001/4 Taito
By Paavo Tynell
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant and rare Paavo Tynell, Taito four arm chandelier. Model 9001/4. Includes custom made linen shades, original sockets, brass has patina and oxidation. Stamped Taito, polished/s...
Brass
12 Lights Chandelier by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large, 12 lights Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Idman. Finland, Circa 1950th. Brass and opaline glass shades with brass wire decoration. Similar example on Idman archival drawing No ...
Brass
$3,600
H 28 in Dm 20 in
Mid Century Modern Lightolier Chandelier in the Style of Paavo Tynell c. 1950s
By Lightolier
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Brass, painted metal, and glass Mid Century Modern chandelier made by Lightolier circa 1950s. This chandelier's contrast of softly curved brass arms and central black metal rod detai...
Brass
1960s Paavo Tynell Attributed Brass Chandelier Finnish Mid-Century Modern
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This beautiful eight arm brass MCM chandelier is unsigned but attributed to Finish designer Paavo Tynell circa 1960. The bottom rounded piece is cold-pa...
Brass
Large Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Taito
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy. Finland, circa 1940s. Hand blown opaline glass shades on polished brass hardware. Newly rewired.
Brass
Chandelier by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell model '9030' for Taito Oy. Finland , circa 1950th. Brass frame with perforated flower decoration. Five frosted glass discs with fabric shades. M...
Brass
Tobia Scarpa for Venini 802.1 Pendant
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in New York, NY
Hand blown frosted glass, chromed metal.. *2nd matching pendant available.
Metal, Chrome
No. 4029 Pendant by Massimo Vignelli for Venini
By Venini, Massimo Vignelli
Located in New York, NY
Blown glass, brass. Internally decorated blown glass shade. Brass mounts and 1 x E26 socket.
Brass
Rare Pair of Five-Light Candelabras
By Porter George Blanchard
Located in New York, NY
Ultra-modernist design in polished pewter with five-light. Porter George Blanchard was an American silversmith living and working in Pacoima, California. He is considered to be par...
Pewter
Table Lamp by Charles et Fils
By Charles et Fils
Located in New York, NY
Sweet Corn table lamp by Charles et Fils. Sculptural lamp of silvered bronze in the form of a husk of corn. Raised on a pedestal base, with three candelabra...
Metal, Bronze
Adjustable 1930s Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Newly polished, brass finish and wide articulating shade with white enamel interior. Multiples available.
Brass
Trumpet Table Lamp by Roberto Giulio Rida
By Roberto Giulio Rida
Located in New York, NY
"Trumpet" Table Lamp by Roberto Giulio Rida. Nickeled brass ball form, on footed base with crystal slab center. White painted trumpet form and ...
Crystal, Metal, Nickel
