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)
Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito, 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...
Opal, Brass
Set of Three Opal Glass Wall Lamps by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito, 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...
Metal, Nickel
Pair of Model "2009" Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
“The man who illuminated Finland”, Paavo Tynell is one of the best-known Finnish lighting designers, and his work has had a great influence on modern lighting design in Finland, but ...
Brass
Pair of Extra Large Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamps, Europe 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The mid-20th century brought about a revolution in design throughout Europe, where function and form merged in the most intriguing ways. One such example of this era’s creativity is ...
Brass
Pair of Brass and Opal Wall Lamps, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish wall lighting of the 1950s reflected the broader Scandinavian ambition to combine functionality with elegance and atmosphere. Lighting is a huge part of Danish and Scandinavia...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Model "1602" Pendant Lamps for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
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...
Metal
Pair of 1950s Lisa Johansson-Pape Opaline Glass & Brass Wall Lamps
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stockmann-Orno
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1950s Lisa Johansson-Pape glass & brass wall lamps. Executed in matte opaline white glass and brass. Price is for the pair. A contemporary of Paavo Tynell, the refined work of Lisa Johansson-Pape has made her an increasingly valued midcentury Finnish designer by collectors of fine Scandinavian...
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
Pair of Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lights, Chromed Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant minimalist art deco pair of ceiling pendants by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito from the 1930s. This pair, along other lamps on our listings, came from the Ilveslin...
Brass
Large Danish Modern Opal Glass & Brass Wall Lamps, Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1950
By Mogens Hammer & Henning Moldenhawer, Louis Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing set of wall lamps designed in Denmark in 1953 by Mogens Hammer & Henning Moldenhawer for Louis Poulsen. The lamps are made from solid brass and the onion-shaped shades of han...
Brass
Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model 9447 wall light, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Oy Taito Ab, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shade. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Modern Wall Lights in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Refined pair of Italian wall lights dating to the 1950s, characterized by clean angular lines and tapered satin opaline glass diffusers mounted on elegant patinated brass structures....
Brass
