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 model 1082, rattan shade, circa 1960.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Pendant model 1082 designed bu Paavo Tynell for Idman, the lamp is composed by a Opal glass with a brass decoration and its orginal rattan shade. The lamp is in good condition overha...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Task Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan clip-on task lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Assorted rattan lampshades. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 18” H x 7” W x 11.5“ D (measured ...
Brass
$5,000 / item
H 18 in Dm 19.5 in
1950s Valinte Oy Rattan & Brass Plug-In Wall Lamp in the Manner of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Valinte Oy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Valinte Oy Rattan & Brass Plug-in Wall Lamp in the Manner of Paavo Tynell Executed in woven rattan with an elegant slim brass wall mounted stem, this plug-in sconce by Finnish...
Brass
Harald Notini, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
By Harald Notini
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light, model 8589, designed by Harald Notini and produced by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 19” H x 15.5” W x 8“ D ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Ceiling Light with Original Shade
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Ab, ceiling light, model '1085', wooden stalks, opaline glass, Finland, 1940s A rare ceiling light, model 1085, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Ta...
Opaline Glass, Wood
$6,781 / item
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 9.45 in
Paavo Tynell, for Idman model 51096, iron, brass and wooden shade. circa 1940
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare pair of Paavo Tynell model 51096 for Idman made in laquered iron and brass with a wooden shade. The lamp is availbable either as a pair or by piece. Price per piece. The lamp is...
Brass, Iron
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.65” H x 9.1” W x 35.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 6.5” H, 1....
Brass
Luxus Vittsjö, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1970s
By Luxus Vittsjö
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed and produced by Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden, 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.5"H x 6.87"W x 9.93"D Backplate Di...
Brass
Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Rattan, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Ceiling lamp of unknown designer and manufacturer, produced in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Made from brass with a handwoven rattan shade lined with white fabric, creating a s...
Brass
Maria Lindeman, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Maria Lindeman
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed by Maria Lindeman and produced by Idman, Finland, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12” H x 5” W x 8.5” D Back Plate Dimensions ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Ceiling Light Model 1968 in Rattan, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful adjustable ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell, harmoniously combining patinated brass with warm rattan and a fabric-lined diffuser. The elegant counterweight mechanism showcase...
Brass, Metal
Paavo Tynell Large Commissioned Chandelier in Brass & Rattan Shades, Taito 1950s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A large and magnificent custom made Paavo Tynell lamp commissioned for the work residence of Juuso Walden one of the previous CEO`s of Finnish giant wood company UPM. Although this l...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Wall Lamps / Scones 9424, Brass and Rattan, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant pair of Paavo Tynell wall lights / scones model 9424 by Taito Oy. These wall lamps have a beautiful organic design mimicking branches with crystals, possibly pert...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Ceiling Light A1998 in Brass, White, & Rattan, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito-idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful adjustable lamp by Paavo Tynell that harmoniously combines many elements such as brass, wooden slats, plastic defuser, and painted metal. The lamp has all original parts ...
Metal, Brass
Important Commissioned Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Rattan, Taito 1940s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Important chandelier from one of Finland’s most iconic restaurants: Ravintola Kuusihokki, also known as Restaurant No. 11, and today Restaurant Meiccu. This piece is one of only five...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model 5068 in Brass, Birch and Rattan, Taito 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Paavo Tynell table lamp model 5068, manufactured by Taito Oy in the 1950s, excellent condition. This is a rare version with a slotted brass leg that hold a birch piece as a handle wh...
Rattan
