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 |
| $6,461 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$29,800
H 89.38 in W 15.36 in D 15.36 in
Paavo Tynell for Taito Pendant Lamp Model '1959' in Perforated Brass
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pendant lamp, model '1959', brass, glass, Finland, 1950s. This striking pendant lamp, known as model 1959, is a quintessential design by Finnish lighting ...
Brass
$10,000
H 27 in W 22 in D 22 in
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston, Paavo Tynell
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
$35,722
H 23.63 in Dm 19.69 in
Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lamp Cannon Shell Model 9040, Brass & Opaline, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
From the iconic Cannon Shell series by Paavo Tynell, this striking piece carries the dynamic silhouette of a falling shell, softened by delicate floral details gracefully applied alo...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Exquisite ceiling light by Paavo Tynell, made from glass with a rattan shade. The glass is painted with a motif of hand painted meadow flowers and looks especially beautiful when lit...
Brass
Model 20428 Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 20428 flush mount, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1940s. Wooden slat and fabric frame, brass detail. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent wit...
Brass
Model 1256/5 Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 1256/5 pendant, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass and birch frame, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and u...
Brass
$72,955 / set
H 59.85 in Dm 24.41 in
Pair of Paavo Tynell Chinese Hat Floor Lamp 9602 Brass & Rattan, Taito 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of the iconic Paavo Tynell floor lamps, model 9602, also known as the “Chinese Hat.” Originally designed in the 1930s, this model remains one of Tynell’s most celebr...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model 1076 in Brass & Rattan, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
An atmospheric ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp features a renewed rattan, wood-slatted shade that softens the li...
Metal, Brass
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| $6,461 |
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.
