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 Pair of ‘80112-25’ Ceiling Lamps in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of flush mount ceiling lamps, model ‘80112-25’, designed by Paavo Tynell. Produced by Idman Oy in Finland, 1950s. Shades in white opaline glass. In good original condition, with...
Metal
Paavo Tynell for Idman “K2-15” Pendant Lamp in Steel and Opal Glass, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare pendant lamp, model "K2-15", in enameled steel and opal glass, designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland, 1950s. One of the rarest pendant lamps designed by...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell 3-Arm Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass, 1940s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare 3-arm cascade ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell (1890–1973). Produced by Idman in the 1940s. Made from brass, features three opaline glass shades, each measuring 29 cm (11....
Brass
Erik Gunnar Asplund 'Parachute' Ceiling Lamp in Glass and Steel, 1950s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Erik Gunnar Asplund
Located in Prague, New Town
'Parachute' ceiling lamp, model '6022', designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund in the 1920s. Produced by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in Sweden, 1958-59. Green-lacquered metal, shade in matte...
Steel
Paavo Tynell for Idman Copper Wall Lamp Model 7307, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Large copper wall lamp, model 7307, designed by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell for Idman in Finland, 1950s. This large, rare copper wall lamp was designed by Finnish lighting pioneer...
Copper, Iron
Itsu Oy Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Yellow Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Prague, New Town
Ceiling lamp, produced by Itsu Oy in Finland, 1950s. Made from brass, decorative details in brass, shades in yellow opaline glass. Dimensions: Height: 58,5 cm / 23.03 in Width: 45 c...
Brass
Paavo Tynell "80112-25" Milk Glass Ceiling Light for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself,...
Milk Glass
Model "80154" Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Utrecht, NL
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, Ty...
Nickel
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model A 2-10 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
Paavo Tynell, 1930's opaline glass flush mount for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Experience the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design with the Paavo Tynell 1930's opaline glass flush mount for Taito Oy. This exquisite piece blends minimalist aesthetics with th...
Nickel
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model A 2-7 in Brass & Opaline Glass, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
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
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
