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)
Large Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito, 1950
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful early desk lamp model 5305 by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland, with a large articulate crème colored enameled shade and base, the shade is partially perforated and the bras...
Metal, Brass
Desk Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito, 1950
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful early desk lamp model 5305 by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland, in brass with a large articulate light blue colored enameled shade and base, the shade is partially perforate...
Metal, Brass
Jacques Biny Table Lamp, 1950
By Jacques Biny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful brass table lamp by Jacques Biny with wonderful patina, adjustable at the hood and the off-white bakelite ball joint, wired for US standards, one E12 socket per fixture, ma...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp with Brass & Ivory Shade, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful articulate table lamp, with matte black metal base, curved brass arm, orientable aluminium shade in textured ivory, on/off switch on the base, wired for US standards, one E...
Metal, Brass
Kaiser Desk Lamp by Christian Dell, 1950
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original ivory enameled steel desk/ task lamps model '6556' by Christian Dell for Kaiser Idell, with a curved pivoting arm and a broad dome shade, marked. Wired for US standards, one...
Metal, Steel
Kaiser iDell Model 6722 Table Lamp. 1930
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful small bedside table lamp model 6722, "Baby Kaiser", designed in 1933 by Christian Dell for Kaiser iDell, marked, great original with a bit of wear in all the right places, ...
Metal, Chrome
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model. 5233, Taito Oy 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Paavo Tynell table lamp model 5233, manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland, 1950s. Very good condition, the lamp has been completely renovated. Marked Taito Oy,
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model H5-8, Idman in Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Original condition Paavo Tynell table lamp model H5-8. Manufactured by Idman in Finland 1950s.
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Finnish Mid Century Paavo Tynell 9222 Desk Table Lamp Produced by Taito, 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Finnish mid century desk / table lamp model "9222" with a white adjustable metal shade and brass base by Paavo Tynell produced by Taito Oy Finland, 1940s. In good vintage condit...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model 9227 manufactured by Taito Oy1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Adjustable table lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy 1950s. The lamp was completely restored a few years ago. The paint is new, as are the electrical systems. The brass parts have been...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Model 9201 Table Lamp, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 9201 table lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass frame with original fabric lampshade and wood detail. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Timeless Scandinavian Modern design. Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) is one of the most important names in Finnish lighting design, and his work has had a significant impact on modern lighting design also on an international level. Tynell, who studied at the Helsinki School...
Brass
Aarne Ervi AK22 Table Lamp for Itsu, 1950s
By Itsu, Aarne Ervi
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Aarne Ervi 'AK 22' table lamp for Itsu, 1950s. A rare table lamp in metal, brass and leather. Shade is adjustable.
Metal, Aluminum
