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)
H 14.75 in W 13.25 in D 7 in
Harald Notini, Wall Light, Brass, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Harald Notini
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H 16 in W 12 in D 6.25 in
Harald Notini, Wall Light, Brass, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
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H 18 in W 13.75 in D 7.25 in
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H 23.63 in W 13.78 in D 9.85 in
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Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
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H 11 in W 12 in D 7 in
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
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A brass and white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.0"H x 12.0"W x 7.0"D Back Plate Di...
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H 17.33 in W 20.08 in D 12.6 in
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H 14.25 in W 12.75 in D 5.75 in
TR&co, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Norway, 1950s
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Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall light produced by TR&co, Norway, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 14.25” H x 12.75” W x 5.75“ D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 3.25” H x 3.25“ ...
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H 16 in W 13.25 in D 5 in
Finnish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Finland, 1950s
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A brass, glass and opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Finland, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16” H x 13.25 ” W x 5“D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 4.12...
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H 8 in W 10.75 in D 6.5 in
Fog & Mørup, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Fog & Mørup
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric wall light, designed and produced by Fog & Mørup, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8” H x 10.75” W x 6.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (Inche...
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H 9.875 in W 10.875 in D 5.25 in
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Teak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
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