Paavo Tynell Three-Armed Brass Chandelier, Idman, Finland, 1950s

Paavo Tynell, who was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1890, started his career as a tin- and blacksmith at the company Kory Oy. Simultaneously, he studied at the Helsinki University of Industrial Arts, from which he graduated as a master craftsman in 1913. In 1918, Tynell co-founded the metalwork and lighting company Oy Taito Ab. At first, the company focused mostly on interior and exterior metalwork, such as statues and railings. Later, during the 1930s, Taito also began producing lamps for the lighting sector. Both Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck would design works for the company.