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 Wall Lamps Model 7004
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Espoo, FI
Pair of Wall Lamps Model 7004 designed by Paavo Tynell. The lamps are made of brass, and are in very good condition.
Brass
Fagerhult Ceiling Lamps Pair Original
By Fagerhult
Located in Espoo, FI
Brass/white ceiling lights, 2 pieces, manufactured by Swedish Fagerhult. The lights are in good used condition and the electricity has been checked by a professional. The lights are ...
Metal
Paavo Tynell Pendant Lamp Model K2-49 by Taito Oy 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Espoo, FI
Paavo Tynell lamp model K2-49 for Taito Oy, black painted metal with brass rings and a glass diffuser. The lamp is from 1950s and in original condition. The lamp has Taito Oy's stamp...
Metal, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Door Handle 2 Pairs Finland Original
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Excelsior
Located in Espoo, FI
Two pairs of brass door handles designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The door handles have the manufacturer's stamp EXO. In good used condition. The door handles are sold as both pairs tog...
Brass
Pendant Lamp Pamela by Heikki Turunen for Orno Finland
By Orno Oy, Heikki Turunen
Located in Espoo, FI
Pendant lamp "Pamela" by finnish designer Heikki Turunen, and manufactured by Orno, Finland. The lamp has beautiful brass colour in metallic lampshade, and acrylic lower shade to sca...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Lamp model A10 by Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek's model A10 lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaistustyö Ky. The lamp is in very good used condition. Valaistustyö's early A10 stamp on the lamp (early versio...
Metal, Brass
Brass Wall down or uplight lamps by KT Valaistus, In the style of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of wall lamps designed and produced in Finland by KT Valaistus. In the style of Paavo Tynell but by unknown designer. Made during the 1950-60s. Polished solid brass with white p...
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
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and etched and gilded glass wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.875” H x 4” W x 8.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inch...
Brass
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
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 10.75"H x 3"W x 6"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 8.25"H x 3....
Brass
Pair of Modern Solid Brass Sconces in the Style of Hans Agne Jakobsson, EL135
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modern Italian wall lights in the taste of Hans Agne Jakobsson's work. Structure and cup in solid brass and frosted glass disc. Excellent condition (modern creation), quantity on req...
Brass
