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)
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of Model 8013 candelabras designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. Executed in nickel-plated brass, these elegant three-arm candleholders captur...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell & Taito, Pair of Art Deco Silver Plated Candelabra, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pair of Art Deco silver plated metal candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Model 8026. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1930s. Manufacturer's stamp on both. Literature: OY Taito AB catalo...
Pewter
$1,626Sale Price|24% Off
Small Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
A Classic Paavo Tynell Bronze Candelabra This small candelabra is a classic design by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Candelholder circa 1960, Nikel Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his artistic journey Paavo Tynell himself handcraft one last collection of candelholder that this model is part of. Made in nickel brass this candel holders is made of ...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Candle Sticks For Taito Oy, 1920s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Paavo Tynell candle sticks for Taito Oy, 1920s. Metal. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) is one of the most important nam...
Metal
Candlestick by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Candlestick by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy from the 1920/1930s. Tin. Marked on the bottom. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Tin
Paavo Tynell, unique candelabre made in iron in the late 60's.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Unique Paavo Tynell Candelabre. After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a s...
Iron
Early Paavo Tynell Candelabra Model KJ 2, Nikled Brass, Taito 1930s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare early work by Finnish master Paavo Tynell, this nickel-brass candle holder showcases the designer’s skill beyond his iconic lighting. Crafted in a timeless classical style, it...
Brass
Minimalistic Handmade Paavo Tynell Tin Candelabra, 1960s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
In addition to his iconic brass lamps, Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) designed candle holders and other metal items. This candle holder is such an example and was handmade late in his care...
Metal
Paavo Tynell Model "162" Brass Candelabra for Taito Oy, Finland ca 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Utrecht, NL
This candelabra was designed by the well-know Finnish designer Paavo Tynell. Widely referred to as the "the man who illuminated Finland", Paavo Tynell was a true master of light. Bor...
Brass
$2,952Sale Price|24% Off
Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Brass candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1920/1930s. This piece is a classic Paavo Tynell chandelier for Taito Oy, which was made in different sizes. Mar...
Brass
Set of Three Paavo Tynell Candel Holders circa 1960, Nickel Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabres by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nic...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass Candle Holders for Taito
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really nice candel holder design in the 50's by Paavo Tynell and produced by TAITO oy. Paavo Tynell designed a lot of other items in addition to lamps and chandeliers. These candle h...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Hand Made Candelabra circa 1960, Nickel Brass, Finland
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his carrier Paavo Tynell himself hand crafted a serie of candelabra that he made in nickel brass. From this collection this example has been hand crafted by Paavo Tynel...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell Candelabra for Taito circa 1950 in Solid Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Exceptional candelabra design by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito, this example has an incredible patina and has been produced in the early 50's. Everything is in really good condi...
Brass
Paavo Tynell scultural candelabre circa 1960, nikel brass.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nick...
Brass, Iron
Paavo Tynell Massive Candelabre, Nickel Brass, circa 1960
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nick...
Brass, Nickel
$2,952Sale Price|24% Off
H 14.38 in W 20.08 in D 5.52 in
Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Brass candelabra by Paavo Tynell. Made in Finland by Taito in the 1920/1930s. This piece is a classic Paavo Tynell chandelier for Taito Oy, which was made in different sizes. Mar...
Brass
Pair of Sculptural Ceramic Candle Sticks
Located in Millbrook, NY
Pair of Pale Terracotta Handmade Sculptural Candleholders from South America. These candlesticks are hand built with a rustic yet modern sensibility. The rounded shaped footings give...
Clay, Terracotta
$508 / set
H 1.5 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Jens Quistgaard, Pierre Forsell, Paavo Tynell, Skultuna
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A pair of candle-sticks made of solid brass, created by Pierre Forssell. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in Sweden by Skultuna. The company was founded by King Carl IX...
Brass
GAB, Small Candlesticks, Pewter, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pewter candlesticks designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Holds 0.5” diameter candles
Pewter
Pair of Cobra Candle Holders - France, Circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Exotic pair of brass candlesticks with intricate etched pattern and red enamel finish.
Art Deco Terracotta Candelabra, France, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming Art Deco candelabra with a deep, verdigris patina. Lovely, chunky design.
Terracotta
$883 / set
H 3.35 in Dm 4.73 in
Pair of Swedish Modern Brass candle-sticks Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of Swedish Modern candlesticks in solid brass, dating from the 1950s. Each piece features a central tubular element designed to hold one candle. This central element is ...
Brass
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Sweden, 1930s, by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the patinat...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Candlestick by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
An Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze candelstick with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Good condition, with some wear to the patination and light...
Bronze
A pair of Mid century brass candle sticks, Kara Denmark
Located in Balen, BE
A pair of Mid century brass candle sticks, Kara Denmark. Solid brass and quality made in Denmark. Marked by the maker at the bottom. A vintage pair with some age and patina marks.
Brass
Candle Holder In The Style Of Paavo Tynell, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Candle holder in the style of Paavo Tynell, 1940s. Brass. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
$726
H 10.63 in W 8.86 in D 8.86 in
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Paavo Tynell
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Four arm candelabra by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander (1908-1976) for Ystad Metall, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The candelabra is made from brass and shaped as four...
Brass
Sold
H 6.7 in Dm 2.96 in
Set of Three Model 8023 Candlesticks by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of three model 8023 candlesticks by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy from the 1920/1930s. Tin. Marked on the bottom. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The cand...
Tin
Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell This bronze candelabra is a shimmering work of art by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in Finland by Taito Oy in the 1920s ...
Brass
Small Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
This small bronze candelabra is a classic design by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in Finland by Taito Oy in the 1920s or 1930s. Tynell's candeholders are ...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 6.11 in D 5.52 in
Rare Set of Two Paavo Tynell Art Deco Candle Sconces for Taito Oy, 1920s/1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare set of two Paavo Tynell Art Deco candle sconces for Taito Oy from the 1920s/1930s. Brass. Good vintage condition, minor wear and patina consistent with age and use. The candle s...
Brass
Sold
H 20.08 in W 8.08 in D 5.12 in
Rare Set of Two Paavo Tynell Art Deco Candle Sconces for Taito Oy, 1920s/1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare Set of Two Paavo Tynell Art Deco Candle Sconces for Taito Oy from the 1920s/1930s. Brass. Beautiful delicate design. Good vintage condition, minor wear and patina consistent wit...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass Candle Holders for Taito
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Please note that these are not an identical pair. One is 16x9 cm and the other is 16x7 cm. Paavo Tynell designed a lot of other items in addition to lamps and chandeliers. These can...
Brass