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)
Kypärä Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare table lamp, model Kypärä No. 9209, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1940s, is a striking example of the refined and poetic sensi...
Brass
Model "5061" Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of Finnish lighting design from the twentieth century. From recognition at the Barcelona World Exhibition (1929) ...
Brass
$29,698
H 20.87 in W 11.42 in D 7.88 in
Finnish Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning brass table lamp by Paavo Tynell, made from brass and stem wrapped in leather. Adjustable shade with a nice perforated edge and a horseshoe shaped foot. Model #9224
Brass
$25,440
H 21.86 in W 9.65 in D 8.47 in
Paavo Tynell "Model 9224" Table Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturi...
Brass
Model 9201 Table Lamp, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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
Very Rare Table Lamp, Model 9224 by Paavo Tynell, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare table lamp model 9224, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito in Finland during the 1950s, is a beautiful example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design. ...
Brass
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
$25,440
H 21.46 in W 11.62 in D 8.27 in
Paavo Tynell Model 9224 "Horseshoe" Table Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturi...
Brass
$4,514 / item
H 17.33 in W 8.67 in D 12.21 in
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
$3,801
H 18.12 in W 8.86 in D 12.21 in
Scandinavian/Finnish Modern Paavo Tynell Model 9227 Table Lamp, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
Rare Scandinavian/Finnish mid-century table lamp model 9227 designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy, circa 1950s. Made in Finland. Brass and black lacquered metal. A ...
Brass
Table lamp model 9224 Designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare table lamp model 9224 by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s. This elegant table lamp is a quintessential example of Tynell’s ability to unite craftsman...
Brass
Table Lamp B-075, Designed by Eje Ahlgren for Bergboms, Sweden, 1960's
By Eje Ahlgren, Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp B-075, designed by Eje Ahlgren for Bergboms, Sweden. 1960´s. Polished brass. Stamped ‘Bergbom B-075 B-075’ With its bulbous shape, this play...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp 'B-075' by Eje Ahlgren, 1970s, Sweden
By Eje Ahlgren
Located in Stockholm, SE
With its sculptural, rounded shade and playful proportions, this B-075 lamp is an outstanding example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. The piece is highly functional, fea...
Brass
Table lamp model B 275 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd, Sweden
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model B 275 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd Sweden, 1960s Brass and white lacquered metal. Stamped. H: 70 cm / 2' 4'' Diameter of the base: 26 cm / 10 1/4'...
Metal, Brass
Table lamp 'Model 61052' designed by Mauri Almari for Idman
By Idman, Mauri Almari
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp 'Model 61052' designed by Mauri Almari in the 1950s, is a refined example of Finnish mid-century lighting where material and atmosphere are closely intertwined. The struct...
Brass
Table Lamp 'Model 2434' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Frank Josef
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2434 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1939. Polished and lacquered brass with fabric shade. Dimensions: H: 58.5 cm / 1' 11" W: 18 cm / 7" D: 52 cm...
Brass
