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, Wall Lights, Brass, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito OY, Finland, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.75” H x 3.78” W x 12.21” D Back Plate Dime...
Brass
$18,917 / set
H 63 in W 9.65 in D 25.6 in
Paavo Tynell Pair of Rare Custom Order Wall Lights, Taito Oy, 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
This rare pair of wall lights was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1940s. The lights are based on Tynell’s wall light model 9414, here realized...
Slate, Brass
$9,990 / set
H 14.57 in W 3.94 in D 11.03 in
Pair of Model 9459 Wall Lights, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 9459 wall lights, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass. Marked. Adjustable shades. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, Wall Lights, Brass, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass wall lights, model A4, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman, Finland, c. 1950s. Very light oxidation and scratching present. Overall Dimensions...
Brass
Pair of Brass Wall Lamps by Alf Svensson, Sweden, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Alf Svensson, Sweden, 1950s. Produced by Bergboms. Perforated brass with beautiful patina. New wiring.
Brass
$2,950 / set
H 8.7 in Dm 3.9 in
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Brass Wall Sconces Model V-324 Rare Lamps, Sweden, 1960's
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of wall lamps model V-324 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson Sweden, 1960's Polished brass with excellent patina, no dents or major flaws. Measures: H: 10 cm / 4" W: 16...
Brass
$100,000 / set
H 17.33 in W 20.08 in D 12.6 in
Rare Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Pair of '9405' Wall Lights in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pair of wall lights, model ‘9405’, brass, glass, Finland, 1940s A Rare Model from the 94 Series Among the rarer lighting designs created by Paavo Tyne...
Brass
$16,647 / item
H 16.15 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Paavo Tynell Pair of Wall Lamps Manufactured by Taito Oy, Finland, 1940
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Barcelona, ES
Paavo Tynell Pair of wall lamps Manufactured by Taito Oy Finland, 1940 Brass, frosted glass diffuser From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 32 cm x 41 H ...
Brass
$2,601
H 12.8 in W 31.5 in D 8.67 in
Paavo Tynell Style Flexible Wall Light of Brass and Cane Denmark 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage flexible wall lamp in the style of Finish designer Paavo Tynell, made in Denmark in the 1950s The wall light has a swing arm frame of bra...
Brass, Metal
$9,500 / set
H 14 in W 6.9 in D 12.6 in
Pair of Large 1950s Lisa Johansson Pape #3055 Brass Wall Lamps for Stockmann
By Stockmann-Orno, Paavo Tynell, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Large 1950s Lisa Johansson Pape #3055 Brass Wall Lamps for Stockmann. A highly sculptural pair of wall lamps executed in attractively patinated brass with white interior. Pr...
Metal, Brass
Lisa Johansson-Pape, pair of 1950s adjustable brass wall sconces for ORNO
By Orno Stockmann, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Experience mid-century modern lamps at its best with this rare perforated version of model 50-055, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape for ORNO in the 1950s. These adjustable brass wall ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, 1950s pair of wall sconces model 9459 for Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace timeless elegance with Paavo Tynell's 1950s pair of wall sconces, model 9459, crafted for Idman Oy. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your bedroom or creating a...
Aluminum, Brass
Paavo Tynell, 1940s brass wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the rare golden bell by Paavo Tynell, a true gem from the 1940s that graces this elegant wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy. Featuring a sleek, later wall shaft and crafted from po...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, pair of 1940/50's brass desk lamps, Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing a pair of stunning brass desk lamps by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy in the 1940s and 1950s. These vintage lamps have a timeless design that still looks as sleek...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, pair of 1950s ceiling/wall lamps, Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of this pair of 1950s Paavo Tynell lamps by Idman Oy, featuring an adjustable fixture through brass joints. Perfect for versatile placements, these fix...
Aluminum, Brass
Lisa Johansson-Pape, pair of 1960s wall sconces for ORNO
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stockmann-Orno
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace a piece of Scandinavian design heritage with Lisa Johansson-Pape's pair of 1960s wall sconces for ORNO. These exquisite fixtures feature a flexible brass stem that effortless...
Metal, Brass
