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)
| Average Sold Price |
| $7,143 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Four-Light Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Finland
An elegant and highly collectible Art Deco chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Oy Taito Ab during the 1930s. This refined four-light suspension fixture exemplifie...
Brass
$79,000 / set
H 60.24 in W 16.15 in D 23.43 in
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy '9609' Pair of Floor Lamps in Cane and Brass
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pair of floor lamps, model '9609', cane, bamboo, brass, lacquered steel, Finland, 1950s The 9609 floor lamp by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell is a stunnin...
Brass, Steel
Paavo Tynell model 5068 for Taito circa 1940, Brass & wood straw.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Paavo Tynell table lamp model 5068 made by Taito Oy, The lamp is made in solid brass with a wood handel and a wood straw shade. Good original condition, the lamp is stamp by the edit...
Brass
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 27 in W 22 in D 22 in
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...
Aluminum, Brass
$52,500
H 80.32 in W 61.03 in D 28.55 in
Very Large Paavo Tynell for Idman Monumental Chandelier in Brass 155cm/61in
By David Weidman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Idman, grand chandelier, lacquered steel, opal glass, brass, Finland, 1963 This substantial chandelier, measuring 155 cm/61.02 in. in width, is designed by the accl...
Brass, Steel
$38,384
H 8.67 in Dm 21.66 in
Commissioned Paavo Tynell Flush Mount, Perforated Brass & Glass, Taito 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and exceptionally rare ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito, dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s. The piece features its original mouth-b...
Metal, Brass
$26,520
H 53.15 in Dm 17.72 in
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Ceiling Light Model 1968 in Rattan, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful adjustable ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell, harmoniously combining patinated brass with warm rattan and a fabric-lined diffuser. The elegant counterweight mechanism showcase...
Brass, Metal
$26,520
H 57.49 in W 10.24 in D 13.78 in
Paavo Tynell Nun's Hat Floor Lamp Model 9629 in white & Brass, Taito 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic floor lamp model 9269 designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito in the 1950s, exemplifying the refined elegance and material sensitivity that define his work. The lamp features a ...
Metal, Brass
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| $7,143 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $1-$74,928 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.
