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)
Chandelier Model 1374/5 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare early chandelier by Paavo Tynell, produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s as Model 1374/5. This five-arm design combines brass, painted metal and softly opaline glass shades, reflec...
Metal, Brass
Opaline Glass and Brass Chandelier by Sievä, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Finnish mid-century chandelier by Sievä, crafted in the 1950s. The lamp features three handblown cream-white opaline glass shades, each mounted on gracefully curved brass arms. The...
Brass
Brass & Glass Chandelier Model 505-5 by Stockmann Orno, Finland, 1950s
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant five-arm chandelier by Stockmann Orno, Finland, dating to the 1950s. This refined design features a sculptural brass frame with delicate filigree detailing and gracefully cur...
Brass
Model 51145 Brass & Glass Chandelier by Mauri Almari for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Karis, Nyland
A sculptural five-arm chandelier designed by Mauri Almari for Idman in Finland during the 1950s. Model 51145 is executed in polished brass with softly shaped opaline glass shades, ea...
Brass
Finnish Brass and Glass Chandelier Model 510-5 by Stockmann Orno, 1950s
By Stockmann-Orno
Located in Karis, Nyland
This exquisite Mid-Century chandelier was manufactured by the renowned Finnish lighting company Stockmann Orno in the 1950s (Model 510-5 in 1951 Stockmann Orno catalogue). A striking...
Brass
Five-Arm Brass and Glass Chandelier Model 101/5 by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
A clean and balanced mid-century chandelier in brass and opaline glass. The structure is defined by five gently curved arms extending from a central stem, each holding a conical glas...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model 1376 Five-Light Chandelier for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
An elegant Model 1376 five-light chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1930s. Executed in patinated brass, the chandelier displays T...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Chandelier, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
Located in Vienna, AT
Early Paavo Tynell model 1855/6 chandelier from the 1930s. Slender wood centerpiece with three cast brass dual-arm branches, each with a tall tapered blown glass diffuser. Nice origi...
Brass
Model 1374 Five-Light Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Kangasala, FI
An elegant Model 1374 five-light chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1930s. Executed in brass, the chandelier displays Paavo Tynel...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
5 Arm Chandelier by Paavo Tynell, Model 1386/5 for Taito, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Odense, DK
A rare 1930s ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell, model 1386/5, designed for the Finnish manufacturer Taito. The chandelier features a gracefully patinated brass frame with elegant wooden a...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Model 1801 Five-Arm Brass Chandelier for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kangasala, FI
An elegant Model 1801 five-arm chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy, Finland, in the 1930s. Documented in the original Taito catalogue, the chandelier is ...
Brass
Art Deco Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930's
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Odense, DK
A rare 1930s pendant ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito, exemplifying the designer’s early mastery of form, material, and light. The elegant patinated brass frame supports fou...
Crystal, Brass
