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)
Ceiling Light Flush Mount Style Angelo Lelii Lucite Brass, Italy 1960
By Arredoluce, G.C.M.E, Angelo Lelii
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling light or wall fixture, Italy 1960 in the style of Angelo Lelii Dimensions are 31.5"x 11"x 7.5" This long stretched flush mount can also be used as a large accentuating wall p...
Brass
Stilnovo Bruno Gatta Ceiling Lamps Glass Flush Mounts Model 1152, Italy 1960
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Vienna, AT
Very scarce set of multiple flush-mounts by Stilnovo (marked), Italy 1960 Sold and priced per item. 7 out of 23 are still available. Dimensions re 14.57" x 4.72" Early vintage origi...
Brass, Aluminum
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Counter Balance Pendant Light, Model A1957
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Vienna, AT
Paavo Tynell A1957 counterweight pendant, 1950 Rare and exceptionally refined ceiling light executed in brass that can be raised and lowered using its ingenious counterweight and pu...
Brass
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Glass Flush Mounts (2 available), Italy 1955
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare pair of 36.6" semi glass flush-mounts with deep incisions, Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Milano circa 1955- We have a pair available, please inquire. Early vintage origina...
Brass
Max Ingrand Table Lamp Brass Glass Mod. 2278, Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
An old version of the mod. 2278 for Fontana Arte, with green interior shade and flat glass diffuser. The brass has had a beautiful patina over the years. A heavy and elegant table la...
Brass
Flush Mount Attributed Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce 3006 Neon Metal, Italy 1953
By Gino Sarfatti, Arteluce
Located in Vienna, AT
Flush mount Attributed. Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce 3006, Italy 1953; made from enameled aluminum 30.7" wide. Good condition. Literature: p. 481 Romanelli, Severi Gino Sarfatti Selec...
Aluminum
Flush Mount Model 1076/8022, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, Mid-20th Century
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Flush Mount Model 1076/8022, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Idman Oy, Mid-20th Century. Plastic shade, brass details. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consiste...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Light, Fabric & Brass, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Finnish 1950s off-white fabric flush mount perfectly captures mid-century modern elegance, featuring refined brass details that evoke the timeless style of Paavo Tynell. Crafted...
Brass
Comissioned Paavo Tynell Flush Mount, Taito Oy, 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Comissioned flush mount, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940s. Perforated brass, gorgeous amber colored glass shade. Original condition. The electrical wiring have be...
Brass
Cream Fabric & Brass Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell Itsu Oy, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Itsu
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This very rare fixture was designed in Finland in the 1950s by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Itsu Oy. Signed. Model ES 1900 (Itsu Oy catalogue 1954). The fixture features a large...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model "2025" Flush Mount for Idman, Finland 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell’s opal glass flush mounts are some of his most celebrated works, blending modernist minimalism with a soft, organic aesthetic. The designs are often seen as exemplifying...
Opal, Metal
Scandinavian Modern Flush mount, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Flush mount, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940s. Glass shade, brass details. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Paavo Tynel...
Brass
