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 |
| $7,356 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Four-Light Chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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
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
$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 Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
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
A Pair of Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) Model Number 9460. Polished brass. Produced by Idman, circa 1950th. Both stamped "Idman". Dimensions: H 7" × L 14.2" × W 4....
Brass
$6,273
H 19.69 in Dm 13.78 in
Paavo Tynell Art Deco Pendant 1010, Tinned Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and exceptionally rare example of Paavo Tynell’s early lighting from the 1920s. The fixture embodies Nordic Classicism or what was called the Swedish Grace period. The co...
Brass
$39,034
H 11.82 in Dm 15.75 in
Nordic Modern Paavo Tynell Flush Mount, Perforated Brass & Glass, Taito 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A commissioned ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and made to order by Taito, dating from the early 1950s. The piece features its original mouth-blown glass shade in a warm champa...
Metal, Brass
$38,337
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
$26,487
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
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| $7,356 |
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.
