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)
Pair of Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamps by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito 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. Functionality, a pared down, s...
Brass, Nickel
Scandinavian Modern Opal Glass and Brass Wall Lamp, Sweden ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In Scandinavia, during the mid-20th century, pieces were designed with the goal of serving generations to come. This was made possible by an emphasis on the creation of timeless desi...
Brass
Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamp by Itsu, Finland Mid-20th Century
By Itsu
Located in Utrecht, NL
Itsu, short for Itä-Suomen Sähkö (eng. Eastern Finland Electricity), was a small, lesser-known manufacturer that produced characteristic models in small quantities. By the 1950s, Fin...
Brass
Set of Three Opal Glass Wall Lamps by Paavo Tynell 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. Functionality, a pared down, s...
Metal, Nickel
Model "9414" Wall Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland Mid-20th Century
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Finnish lighting design. As a co-founder and chief designer of Taito Oy, he helped establish a distinctly Finnish approach t...
Brass
Brass and Smoked Glass Wall Light for Westal, Sweden 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This wall lamp was manufactured by the Swedish company Westal in Bankeryd, Sweden. The historical company was founded in 1947 and for more than seven decades, it has developed functi...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined and compact mid-century composition. The fixture features a round brass wall plate supporting a shaped brass arm wi...
Metal, Brass
1960s Stilnovo Sculptural Opaline Glass and Brass Wall Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Stilnovo Sculptural Opaline Glass and Brass Wall Lamp. Executed in attractively patinated brass with a sculptural diabolo opaline glass shade. An incomparably refined design ...
Brass
Swedish Wall Lamp from the 60's Brass and Opaline in Style of Paavo Tynell F446
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Scandinavian wall lamp from the 60s. Structure in solid brass with holes, diffuser in white opaline with a very original "flame" shape. Excellent vintage condition, recommended E27 L...
Brass
Swedish modernist brass and opal glass wall lamp, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A wall lamp made from brass with two arms mounted on a solid teak panel. Perforated pattern with decorative stars. Lampshades in opal glass with a discreet geometric pattern typical ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, 1940s brass wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the rare golden bell by Paavo Tynell, a true gem from the 1940s that graces this elegant wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy. Featuring a sleek, later wall shaft and crafted from po...
Brass
Harald Notini Wall Lamp Brass Opaline Glass Böhlmarks Sweden Sconce Wall Light
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Harald Notini
Located in Basel, BS
Rare Harald Notini wall lamp, model No. 8721, made by Arvid Böhlmarks lighting manufacturer in Sweden. Pictured in the Böhlmarks catalogue from 1950. Solid patinated brass with a ha...
Brass
