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)
Hans Bergström pair of Copper wall lamps for Ateljé Lyktan circa 1960.
By Hans Bergström
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
This striking pair of Swedish wall lamps was designed by Hans Bergström in the 1960s. Crafted in copper, each lamp features a cylindrical shade with a distinctive pattern of slender ...
Copper
Paavo Tynell Outside Copper Wall Lamp Model 7307 for Idman, circa 1950
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Strong patinated copper wall lamp design by Paavo Tynell and edited by Idman in the 50's. The wall lamp has been originally designed to be used outside but can also easily be used in...
Copper
Paavo Tynell, Pair of wall lamp model 10330 for Taito, circa 1950.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Paavo Tynell important wall light model 10330 made in the 50's for Taito. This example is the biggest version of the model. This pair of wall lamps features a sculptural, folded for...
Brass
Paavo Tynell custom wall lamp. circa 1950. Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Extremly rare custom made wall lamp design by Paavo Tynell and made in solid brass with pierces holes. Drawing by the artist available on demand. the wall lamp can be used upon a des...
Brass
Josef Frank pair of wall lamps 2389 for Svenskt Tenn Sweden, 1950s.
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
These sconces are a beautiful example of Josef Frank’s softer approach to modernism for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. Made in polished brass, they combine simplicity with warmth in a wa...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, pair of pendant lights in opal glass & brass circa 1950, Idman.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Pair of pendant lights designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman in the 50's. The lamps are made in opal glass and brass with a solid brass diffuser. Both lamp are stamp by the editor Idman...
Brass
Paavo Tynell & Idman Set of Two Copper & Opaline Glass Wall Lamps, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Set of 2 wall lamp by Paavo Tynell, edited by Idman. Model 7309. Copper and opaline glass. Made in Finland in the 1950s. Both are marked Idman. Great patina to the copper. ...
Copper
Paavo Tynell Pair of Wall Lights Sconces Model 2351, Idman Oy, Finland 1950's
By Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
Wall lights model 2351 by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy from the 1950's. Painted metal with brass details. Good vintage condition, nice patina and wear consistent with age and use. The w...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Copper Wall Lamps by Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan 1940/50s Sweden Rare
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of rare copper lamps by Swedish architect and designer Hans Bergström. These are very hard to find. They can be used outside as they were used for 70 years but you can use them ...
Copper
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Wall Lamps in Copper by Hans Bergström, 1940s
By Hans Bergström
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare wall lamps model 1006A, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden during the 1940s, exemplify the early stages of Scandinavian modern lighting...
Copper
Pair of Wall Lamps Model 2351 by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A pair of Finnish mid-century wall lamps designed by Paavo Tynell, model 2351, produced by Idman in the 1950s. Each lamp features a softly tapered white metal shade with a subtle cut...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Copper Wall Lamps by Lisa Johansson Pape, Orno 1940/50s Finland Rare
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of rare copper lamps by Finish female designer Lisa Johansson-Pape. These are quite hard to find. They can be used outside as they were used for 70 years but you can use them i...
Copper
