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)
Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Glass by Paavo Tynell, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model number 1953, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, represents a rare and exemplary instance of Scandinavian lighting d...
Brass
Ceiling Lamp with Dome-shaped Brass Shade by Paavo Tynell, 1952s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model 1959, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, is a rare and highly coveted example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design. The lamp ...
Brass
Mid Century Ceiling Lamp T-5 in Brass by Alf Svensson & Yngvar Sandström, 1960s
By Alf Svensson & Yngve Sandström
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model T-5, designed by Alf Svensson and Yngvar Sandström and produced by Bergboms in Sweden, is a striking example of mid-century Swedish lighting design. This model...
Brass
Mid Century Ceiling Lamp in Brass by Alf Svensson & Yngvar Sandström, 1960s
By Alf Svensson & Yngve Sandström
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model T-5, designed by Alf Svensson and Yngvar Sandström and produced by Bergboms in Sweden, is a sophisticated example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting. Known f...
Brass
Ceiling Lamps in Brass by Carl Axel Acking, 1940s
By Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Designed by Carl-Axel Acking and produced by ASEA in Sweden during the 1940s, this ceiling lamp is a refined example of Scandinavian mid-century design at the intersection of moderni...
Brass
Ceiling Lamp, Model 61, in Brass, Glass & Plastic by Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s
By Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model 61-103, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and produced by Stockmann-Orno in Finland during the 1950s, is a rare and distinguished example of mid-century Scandina...
Brass
Brass K2-46 Chandelier by Paavo Tynell, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large edition of the K2-46 chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Idman. The brass shade has twin dot perforations, scalloped edge detail, and a etched glass diffuser underneath. The overa...
Brass
A pair of ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell model K2-20
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of ceiling lamps model "K2-20", designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Finland, circa 1950th. Custom version with brass stem and wire decor. Perforated polished brass and fros...
Brass
A ceiling lamp model "K2-20" by Paavo Tynell for Idman.
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A ceiling lamp model "K2-20", designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Finland, circa 1950th. Unusual version with brass stem and wire decor. Perforated polished brass and frosted g...
Brass
Pair of ceiling light in brass attributed to Kai Ruokonen circa 1960.
By Kai Ruokonen
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare pair of pendant attributed to Kai Ruokonen or his brother Kari, made in solid brass with 4 rings and a glass diffuser. The overhall condition is good and the lamps has a good pa...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass ceiling light by Paavo Tynell, with a long stem that can be customized in length. Dome formed shade with a pattern of small holes that let the light out in a subtle way...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Style Brass Pendants
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Brass and frosted glass lights with perforated brass shade. Can be sold individually. Beautiful effect when the light passes through metal shade. Down light is very soft due to the f...
Brass
