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)
Pair of Nordic Modern Wall Lights by Itsu, Finland, 1960s
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
A clean and functional pair of Finnish mid-century wall lights with adjustable arms. Each lamp combines a white metal shade with a brass wall mount and a flexible brass arm that allo...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Telescopic Wall Light by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant Finnish mid-century modern wall light manufactured by Itsu (Itä-Suomen Sähkö Oy) in the 1960s. This refined Scandinavian modern design features a beautifully shaped perforate...
Aluminum, Brass
Adjustable Brass Wall Lamp by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, Finland, 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Karis, Nyland
Rare, elegant and highly functional adjustable wall lamp designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, Finland, during the 1950s. Crafted from polished brass, the lamp features a beautif...
Brass
Pair of Wall Lamps Model 2351 by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A pair of Finnish mid-century wall lamps designed by Paavo Tynell, model 2351, produced by Idman in the 1950s. Each lamp features a softly tapered white metal shade with a subtle cut...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Finnish Modern Brass Wall Lamps with Perforated Shades, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Finnish Mid-Century Modern wall lights in brass, dating from the 1970s. The fixtures feature perforated conical shades mounted on sculptural tubular brass wall bracket...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps Model EV 84, Itsu Oy, Finland
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Finnish mid-century table lamps with cylindrical woven shades and slender black metal structures. The shades are made from narrow wooden slats bound with natural fiber...
Brass, Metal
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 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
A pair of wall lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy.
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of indoor/outdoor wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Model 2521-53. Finland Circa 1950th. Painted metal shade with opaline glass globe shade. Marked by manufa...
Metal
Paavo Tynell, 1950s pair of wall sconces model 9459 for Idman Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
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
Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model 9447 wall light, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Oy Taito Ab, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shade. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent...
Brass
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
