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)
Rare Scandinavian Modern Candelabra, Paavo tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare Scandinavian Modern candelabra, design Paavo tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Paavo Tynell (189...
Brass
Paavo Tynell & Taito, Pair of Art Deco Silver Plated Candelabra, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
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
Early Paavo Tynell Candelabra Model KJ 2, Nikled Brass, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
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
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
$1,603Sale 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
$2,901Sale 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
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, 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
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 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 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
$2,901Sale 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
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
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
$1,784 / set
H 4.73 in Dm 14.18 in
Pair of Art Deco Four-Arm Silver-Plated Candelabra by Just Andersen for GAB 1930
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully balanced pair of four-arm silver-plated candelabra designed by Danish sculptor and designer Just Andersen for GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, circa 1930s. These s...
Silver Plate
Pair of Danish Art Deco Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of Danish Art Deco pewter candelabras designed by Just Andersen, dating from the early 1930s. Each candelabra features a sculptural, organic form with gracefully curved ...
Pewter
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
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
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dramatic oxidation. Dimensions: 13” H x 7.5” diameter 3 Sockets Holds .8” diameter candles
Iron
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
Swedish Grace Candelabra by Herman Bergman, Sweden ca 1920s
By Herman Bergman
Located in Utrecht, NL
The Swedish Grace movement of the 1920s represented a moment of refinement in Scandinavian design, bridging the neoclassical tradition with the emerging ideals of modernism. Designer...
Metal
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
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
Austrian Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Austria, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced in Austria, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 9” H x 7.75” W x 1.875” D Holds .75” diameter candles
Brass
Bronze Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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 Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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