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)
Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno Oy '30-058' Floor Lamp, Finland, 1940s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Prague, New Town
Floor lamp, model '30-058,' designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape. Produced by Orno Oy in Finland, 1940s. Made from white-lacquered metal, brass details, white opal glass diffuser, and whi...
Metal, Brass
Fog & Mørup Uplight Floor Lamp in Bronze, Denmark, 1940s
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Prague, New Town
Large uplight floor lamp, produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark, 1940s. Made from patinated bronze. Produced in the 1940s by Fog & Mørup, one of Denmark’s most influential 20th...
Bronze
Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno Pair of '30-058' Floor Lamps, Finland 1940s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Prague, New Town
Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, pair of model ’30-058′ floor lamps, white-lacquered metal, brass, opal glass, white fabric shades, Finland, 1940s. These floor lamps were designed by L...
Metal, Brass
Hans Bergström ’40’ Cascade Ceiling Lamp in Perforated Brass, 1940s
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Prague, New Town
Swedish Modern cascade ceiling lamp, model ’40’, designed by Hans Bergström. Produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, 1940s. Shades in perforate...
Brass
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal Pair of Table Lamps in Porcelain, 1960s
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of porcelain table lamps designed by Bjørn Wiinblad and manufactured by Rosenthal, Germany, 1960s. This pair of rare porcelain table lamps is a true testament to the timeless e...
Porcelain, Fabric
Paavo Tynell 3-Arm Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass, 1940s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare 3-arm cascade ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell (1890–1973). Produced by Idman in the 1940s. Made from brass, features three opaline glass shades, each measuring 29 cm (11....
Brass
Early Table Lamp in Brass and Leather by Paavo Tynell, 1950's
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early Table Lamp in Brass and Leather by Paavo Tynell, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Very rare and early table lamp mode...
Brass
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy '9212B' Table Lamp in Brass and Leather
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, desk lamp, model '9212B', brass, leather, Finland, 1950s Paavo Tynell was a pioneering Finnish designer who helped shape early 20th-century lighting in Fi...
Brass
A Paavo Tynell "Horseshoe" Table Lamp Model 9224 in Brass & Leather, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
The rare perforated version and one of the nicest examples of the 9224 table lamps that we ever came across. This model is also known as the "horse shoe" due to the horseshoe resembling foot and other features making it resemble Thoroughbreds (see archive pictures) In a 1950s edition of the Finland House Lighting catalouge this lamp was nicknamed Thoroughbred. Now if you think that was because of the horseshoe-foot, think again. The Thoroughbred is a hot-blooded racing horse breed known for its agility and it's physical features include a well-chiseled head, a long slim neck and a lean body. Somehow, that sounds like an exact description of the 9224 lamp. Add to that the leather harness and it's spot on. This version has perforated funnel shape brass lamp shade...
Brass
Finnish Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning brass table lamp by Paavo Tynell, made from brass and stem wrapped in leather. Adjustable shade with a nice perforated edge and a horseshoe shaped foot. Model #9224
Brass
Table Lamp in Brass, Lacquer, Leather & Metal by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, 1950s
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare table lamp, designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen and produced by Holm Sørensen & Co in Denmark during the 1950s, is a striking example of mid-century Scandinavian light...
Brass, Metal
Table Lamp in Brass by Paavo Tynell, 1950's
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table Lamp in Brass by Paavo Tynell, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Table lamp model 9227 Produced by Idman in Finland Dimensions (W ...
Brass
