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)
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model A 2-7 in Brass & Opaline Glass, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
A minimalist mid-century modern flushmount by Paavo Tynell in Opaline glass and brass details. A very simplistic design that adds a modernist statement to any interior. Perfect for h...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Model 27103, Brass & Opaline Glass, Valinte 1960s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A sleek and modern Finnish design flush mount model 27103 manufactured by Valinte in Finland in the 1960s. Truely one of the nicest and most impressive Valinte lamps we have acquired...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell Ceiling Light in Brass & Opaline, 1950s Idman
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
From the iconic Paavo Tynell series nicknamed the Cannon shell, this beautiful piece has the attention-demanding appearance of a falling bomb shell, yet the softness of spring with t...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Cannon Shell Ceiling Light Model 9053 in Brass & Glass, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell aka as the cannon shell due to the high resemblance. Sleek and minimalist, it combines the brass center with opaline glass shade allowing th ...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Ceiling Light Cannon Shell Model 9040, Brass & Opaline, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
From the iconic Cannon Shell series by Paavo Tynell, this striking piece carries the dynamic silhouette of a falling shell, softened by delicate floral details gracefully applied alo...
Brass
Lisa Johansson-Papé Brass & Opaline Flush mount model 71-116, Orno 1950s
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Stockmann
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare flush mount by Lisa Johansson-Papé for Orno. This model 71-116 which came in three different sizes, this is the middle one with a diameter just approx 40cm. The lamp consists ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell ‘80112-25’ Ceiling Lamp in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Flush mount ceiling lamp, model ‘80112-25’, designed by Paavo Tynell. Produced by Idman Oy in Finland, 1950s. Shade in white opaline glass. In good original condition, with wear cons...
Metal
Ceiling Lamp, Model 9045, in Brass & Opaline Glass by Paavo Tynell, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare ceiling lamp, model 9045, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, is a quintessential example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting that marries refine...
Brass
Large flush mount light by Paavo Tynell for Idman
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large, flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland , Circa 1950th. Tapered opaline glass shade with brass diffuser. Marked : " Idman No 801-12". Dimension...
Glass
Model 2093 Flush Mount in Cream Glass, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 2093 flush mount, design Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Opaline glass shade, brass details. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and ...
Brass
Ceiling light by Paavo Tynell, model 9067
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell, Model 9067, manufactured by Taito Oy, Circa 1950th. Painted metal with polished brass base and defusers. Similar example featured...
Metal
Large Size Paavo Tynell Pendant Light by Taito Oy - 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Espoo, FI
Large size pendant light by Paavo Tynell from 1950s. The lights were originally sold to the city of Ikaalinen (Finland) where they served at Ikaalinen Primary School until the schoo...
Brass
