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)
Rare table lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare table lamp designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito. Finland circa 1940th/50th. Stamped Taito Oy with model number. Original patina on brass. Rewiring available upon request. The lamp...
Brass
$38,841
H 15.36 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Rare Commissioned Paavo Tynell Perforated Brass Table Lamp, Taito Oy, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
An exceptionally rare commissioned table lamp by Paavo Tynell, combining elements from several known models with a unique perforated cone shade not found in standard production. Comp...
Brass
Rare Paavo Tynell Brass Desk Lamp
By Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
Rare Paavo Tynell Desk Lamp by Broderna Malmstroms. This model a variation Paavo Tynell’s model 9212A pictured in Idman catalog 1953/54. The sha...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Desk/Table Lamp
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adjustable desk/table lamp, model no. 5305 by Paavo Tynell, 1950s. Brass and painted perforated metal. Manufactured by Taito, Finland. Underside impressed with TAITO/5305. Price redu...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model. 5233, Taito Oy 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Paavo Tynell table lamp model 5233, manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland, 1950s. Very good condition, the lamp has been completely renovated. Marked Taito Oy,
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Large Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito, 1950
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful early desk lamp model 5305 by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland, with a large articulate crème colored enameled shade and base, the shade is partially perforated and the bras...
Metal, Brass
Table Lamp By Paavo Tynell For Taito Oy Model 5066
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass and teak frame, fabric shade fitted with 2 E27 sockets, designed by Paavo Tynell in the 1940 for Taito Oy, model 5066. Original unrestored condition.
Brass
Paavo Tynell 5321 Table Lamp
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Berkeley, CA
Paavo Tynell’s fanciful take on nature is gracefully echoed in the 5321 Table Lamp, designed by the Finnish designer in 1938. Under the distinctive shell-inspired brass shade, the bulb subtly appears from beneath; a picturesque detail resembling the desirable sea shell pearl...
Brass
Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A table lamp designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland, circa 1950s. Original paint, marked by manufacturer. Existing wiring, rewiring available upon request.
Sheet Metal
$25,753
H 15.36 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Paavo Tynell Perforated Brass, Fabric, & wooden Table Lamp 5066, Taito 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Table lamp model 5066 designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland in the 1950s. This lamp features a brass round stand, a hard wooden leg and a beautiful silk sh...
Brass
