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 "2034" Ceiling Lamp for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
Located in Utrecht, NL
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman, Tynell’s d...
Metal
Paavo Tynell "80119" Ceiling Light for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, Ty...
Milk Glass
Model "2008" Ceiling Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland Mid-20th Century
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell was a pioneering lighting designer whose work in the mid-20th century defined modern Nordic lighting aesthetics. Known for his delicate, poetic approach and innovative u...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell (Attr.) Model "1667" Ceiling Lamp for Idman, Finland 1930s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
The 1930s marked a transformative period for lighting design, when Nordic, in particular Finnish designers sought to merge the crisp functionality of modernism with the softness and ...
Nickel
Paavo Tynell Model "9060" Ceiling Light for Taito Oy, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This lamp is one of those models that lighting design enthusiasts recognize immediately, a truly iconic design. Paavo Tynell designed this model “9060” in 1950-52 for the secretariat...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model "1612" Hanging Lamp for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is regarded as one of the most influential voices in Finnish lighting. As co-founder and artistic director of Taito, he shaped a new idea of domestic illumination. He so...
Opal, Metal
Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell Manufactured by Taito Oy, Finland c. 1950
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Berlin, DE
Ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, Finland, c. 1950
Brass
Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Model 9052
By Paavo Tynell, Taito-idman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare available Model 9052, designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito/ Idman. Finland, Circa 1950th. Polished brass with opaline glass shade and 3 Edison socket bulbs. Similar model featured...
Brass
Paavo Tynell ‘80112-25’ Ceiling Lamp in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Flush mount ceiling lamp, model ‘80112-25’, designed by Paavo Tynell. Produced by Idman Oy in Finland, 1950s. Shade in white opaline glass. In good original condition, with wear cons...
Metal
Paavo Tynell model 9045 for Taito circa 1950.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Paavo Tynell’s model 9045 pendant is a refined and highly characteristic example of the designer’s celebrated approach to lighting, where functional design meets quiet elegance. Prod...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass ceiling light by Paavo Tynell, with a long stem that can be customized in length. Dome formed shade with a pattern of small holes that let the light out in a subtle way...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant white lacquered brass ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell, with a streamlined shade perforated with small holes. The underside of the lamp has a glass shade that covers the light so...
Brass
