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)
Starry Sky Flush Mount Ceiling Lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Starry Sky Flush Mount Ceiling Lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy. Designed and manufactured in Finland, circa the 1950s. Enameled metal, custo...
Metal
Paavo Tynell "Starry Sky" flush mount model 9068 for Idman.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
This ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell, exemplifies his distinctive ability to combine refined craftsmanship with atmospheric lighting. Constructed from lacquered iron and brass...
Brass, Iron
$29,698 / item
H 35.44 in W 49.22 in D 4.73 in
Paavo Tynell, large ceiling lamp model 81062 for Idman, circa 1960.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
This elegant ceiling lamp, designed by Finnish lighting master Paavo Tynell for Idman, is a refined example of his distinctive approach to Scandinavian modernism. The elongated recta...
Brass
Ceiling Mount Light by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Ceiling mount light designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, Circa 1950th. Polished brass and painted metal. Marked Taito. Rewiring avai...
Metal
Paavo Tynell '1965' Pendant Lamp in Black for GUBI
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paavo Tynell '1965' Pendant Lamp in Black for GUBI The '1965' Pendant was originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1948. Like many of his best kn...
Brass, Metal
$6,900
H 9 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell and produced in the early 60's. Hard to find smaller size here in the States. Very good overall condition. Most likely re-lacquered a...
Steel, Brass
Paavo Tynell 1965 Pendant Black for GUBI
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
The 1965 Pendant was originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1948. Like many of his best-known designs, the pendant was designed for the Finland House in New York - one of the most am...
Steel
$3,516Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.39 in Dm 5.12 in
Tapio Wirkkala Rare Ceiling Lamp by Idman Oy Finland 1959-1961
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Espoo, FI
Rare ceiling lamp by Tapio Wirkkala with perforated brass shade and satin lacquered metal body, Designed and manufactured between 1959 and 1961 The model is from a limited edition ...
Metal, Brass
Raul Reyes 'Rey 14' Perforated Metal Dome Ceiling Lamp in Black
By Paavo Tynell, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Florian Schulz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Raul Reyes 'Rey 14' Perforated Metal Dome Ceiling Lamp in Black. Hand-fabricated in Los Angeles, these highly refined ceiling lamps are reminiscent of the iconic mid-century Finnish...
Metal
Paavo Tynell Era Pendant Lamp circa 1950
By Stilnovo
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice pendant lamp, era Paavo Tynell, circa 1950. Diabolo in perforated black painted metal outside, ivory inside, brass decorative detail. Double lighting with two E27 bulbs, one to...
Metal
Small Paavo Tynell Starry Sky Ceiling Lamp 9068 in Black & Brass, Taito 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
The Starry Sky is one of the most iconic designs of Paavo Tynell`s lamps. It was made by both Taito and Idman in a few different sizes. The way the light filters through the grill an...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Starry Sky Flush Mount 9068 in Black & White, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
The Starry Sky is one of the most iconic designs of Paavo Tynell`s lamps. It was made by both Taito and Idman in a few different sizes. The way the light filters through the grill an...
Metal
Paavo Tynell Starry Sky Ceiling Lamp 9068 in Putty White & Brass, Idman 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
The “Starry Sky” is one of Paavo Tynell’s most recognizable and enduring lighting designs. Produced by both Taito Oy and later Idman in several sizes and variations, the model takes ...
Metal, Brass
Small Paavo Tynell Starry Sky Ceiling Lamp 9068 in White & Brass, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
The “Starry Sky” is one of Paavo Tynell’s most recognizable and enduring lighting designs. Produced by both Taito Oy and later Idman in several sizes and variations, the model takes ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Starry Sky Ceiling Lights 9068, Black & Brass, Idman 1960s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
The Starry Sky is one of the most iconic designs of Paavo Tynell's lamps. It was made by both Taito and Idman in many different sizes. The way the light filters through the grill and...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell "Starry Sky" Ceiling Lamp Model 9068 In White and Brass Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
The Starry Sky is one of the most iconic designs of Paavo Tynell's lamps. It was made by both Taito and Idman in many different sizes. The way the light filters through the grill and...
Metal, Brass
