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 |
| $6,215 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Paavo Tynell, rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, Taito Oy Finland
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the Paavo Tynell rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, crafted by Taito Oy, Finland. This iconic piece exemplifies Scandinavian Vintage Design, blending...
Brass
$42,512 / set
H 15.75 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Paavo Tynell 1940s “Umbrella” model 5061, Taito Oy, Finland
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the 1940s with the Paavo Tynell “Umbrella” model 5061 from Taito Oy, Finland. This rare pair of iconic lamps features exquisitely perforated lampsha...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Glass Model no. 1017, Taito 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A refined Scandinavian Modern ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito in Finland during the late 1940s early 1950s. The lamp features a large, softly rounded...
Brass
$17,975 / set
H 4.5 in W 8.5 in D 10.5 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Sconces by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable set of four polished brass sconces is designed by Paavo Tynell, one of Finland's most celebrated mid-century lighting designers, circa 1950. Known for his refined and...
Brass
$9,109
H 30.32 in Dm 21.26 in
Rare Model 3024 Pendant Light in Oxidised Steel by Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
An original Finnish pendant light with an oxidised steel structure and three opaline glass shades. The composition is structured and graphic, built around a central cylindrical form ...
Steel
Early Paavo Tynell Pendant in Brass & Opaline Glass, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of Paavo Tynell 1940s early lamps. A marvelous piece with polished and patinated brass with blown glass shades. The lamp is in its original condition. The blown g...
Brass
$7,529
H 10.63 in Dm 39.38 in
Large Brass & Synthetic Textile Flush Mount by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
Striking and generously sized flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The design features a wide, pleated shade made from synthetic ...
Brass
$30,362
H 60.04 in W 27.56 in D 17.72 in
Paavo Tynell, 1940s early floor lamp model 9609 in brass and rattan, Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Experience the epitome of Scandinavian vintage design with Paavo Tynell's early version of the model 9609 floor lamp for Taito Oy. This 1940s gem captivates with its elegant lines an...
Slate, Brass, Iron
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| $6,215 |
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.
