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)
Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s brass and leather table lamp Ihanne, Orno Finland
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover timeless elegance with the Lisa Johansson-Pape "Ihanne" table lamp for ORNO, a classical model designed in 1947 and cherished in Scandinavian Vintage Design. We celebrate au...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp for Taito Oy, Brass & Wood, Mid-Century
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your space with the Paavo Tynell 1940's table lamp for Taito Oy, a true classic distinguished by its elegant brass details. This distinguished piece represents the pinnacle o...
Brass
Mauri Almari, 1950s table lamp K11-15, Idman, Finland
By Idman Oy, Almari Mauri
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless 1950s charm of the Mauri Almari table lamp K11-15. This exquisite piece, manufactured by the renowned Idman where the legendary Paavo Tynell also created his ma...
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala K10-11 Adjustable Floor Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
A model K10-11 adjustable floor lamp designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Idman Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp features a slender brass construction with black-p...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell, 1940s brass wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the rare golden bell by Paavo Tynell, a true gem from the 1940s that graces this elegant wall lamp 1699 for Taito Oy. Featuring a sleek, later wall shaft and crafted from po...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, pair of 1940/50's brass desk lamps, Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing a pair of stunning brass desk lamps by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy in the 1940s and 1950s. These vintage lamps have a timeless design that still looks as sleek...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Table Lamp Model 9227 in Full Brass, Taito 1950s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare full brass version of the classic 9227 with the slotted visor reflector that moves up or down, to put the light where it's needed. An iconic functional lamp with a beautiful m...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Model 9227 Table Lamp for Idman, Finland, circa 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Akaa, FI
An adjustable model 9227 table lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland, circa 1950s. The lamp combines a slender brass stem with a white-painted circular ...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model 9227 manufactured by Taito Oy1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Adjustable table lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy 1950s. The lamp was completely restored a few years ago. The paint is new, as are the electrical systems. The brass parts have been...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Brass Table Lamp Model 9227 by Paavo Tynell, Scandinavian Design
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table Lamp in Brass by Paavo Tynell, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Table lamp model 9227 Produced by Idman in Finland Dimensions (W ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp, Model 9227
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An adjustable table lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, circa1950 This example retains it's original enameled white shade with a solid brass upright and adjustable thumbscrew. Stam...
Brass, Metal
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model 9227 Produced by Idman in Finland
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table lamp model 9227 designed by Paavo Tynell. Produced by Idman in Finland.
Metal, Brass
