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)
Extra High Version Pendant light by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, Finland, 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant, extra-tall pendant lamp designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and manufactured by Orno, Finland, in the 1950s. This highly unusual example was produced as a custom order, featurin...
Aluminum, Brass
Paavo Tynell Style Height-Adjustable Brass Pendant Lamp by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Finland
An original Finnish height-adjustable brass pendant lamp, model ER99, manufactured by Itsu in the 1950s. This pulley-operated pendant (also known as a rise-and-fall pendant or counte...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Chandelier in Style of Paavo Tynell by V.Soini, Finland
By V. Soini Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant and highly decorative Finnish Mid-Century Modern chandelier manufactured by V. Soini in the 1950s. This refined three-light suspension lamp showcases a design language strong...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamp by Fagerhults Belysning AB, Sweden, 1960s
By Fagerhult
Located in Turku, Finland
Swedish floor lamp manufactured by Fagerhult Belysning AB during the 1960s. The lamp features a slender brass stem and weighted brass base combined with an adjustable shade made of b...
Aluminum, Brass
Four-Light Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Finland
An elegant and highly collectible Art Deco chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Oy Taito Ab during the 1930s. This refined four-light suspension fixture exemplifie...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Chandelier with Opaline Glass Shades by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Itsu
Located in Turku, Finland
Mid-Century Paavo Tynell -Style chandelier manufactured by Itsu in Finland during the 1950s. The fixture features a brass frame with five arms and perforated brass galleries holding ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model "1602" Pendant Lamp for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell was a pioneering lighting designer whose work in the mid-20th century defined modern Nordic lighting aesthetics. Known for his delicate, poetic approach and innovative u...
Metal, Brass
Model "554" Pendant Light by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is regarded as one of Finland’s pioneering lighting designers, celebrated for his design approach that merged natural inspiration with refined craftsmanship. Working for...
Metal
Paavo Tynell, Pendant Light, Nickel, Glass, Finland, 1930s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in High Point, NC
A nickel-plated metal and white opaline glass pendant light designed and produced in Finland, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32” H x 9” D Dimensions of Canopy: 2.5“ H x 4”...
Nickel
Paavo Tynell Model "1645" Pendant Lamp for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “1645” pendant lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito in the 1930s, is a quintessential example of early Finnish modern lighting. Known as “the man who illuminated Finland,” T...
Metal
Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Pendant Light, Metal, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in High Point, NC
A white opaline glass and metal pendant light produced by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.0"H x 10.0...
Metal
Pavvo Tynell, Pendant Light, Glass, Chrome, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in High Point, NC
A chrome-plated metal and glass pendant light, model 1667/1602, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Chrome
