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)
Paavo Tynell Umbrella Table Lamp Model 5061 in Solid Brass, Taito Oy 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of the umbrella table lamp model 5061 in full brass without perforations, designed by Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1940s. The item is in good original...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Umbrella Table Lamp Model 5061 in Brass and Glass, Taito 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Nicknamed "the umbrella", this sizeable lamp was already designed in the 1930s. The model has three different versions, one of which has this hand-blown opaline glass shade with a ch...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Umbrella Table Lamp Model 5061 in Brass and Glass, Taito 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Nicknamed "the umbrella", this sizeable lamp was already designed in the 1930s. The model has three different versions, one of which has this hand-blown opaline glass shade with a ch...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass Table Lamp Model 5061, Full Original Condition, Taito 1952
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Nicknamed "the umbrella", this sizeable lamp was already designed in the 1930s. The model has three different versions, one of which has this hand-blown opaline glass shade with a ch...
Brass
Large Paavo Tynell Full Brass Seashell Table Lamp Model 5321, Taito Oy 1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A gorgeous and possibly unique seashell lamp by Paavo Tynell in full brass and larger than the usual versions seen in the market. The leg is in full brass rather than the usual ratta...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Adjustable Table Lamp Model 9227 in Full Brass, Taito 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito
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 ‘Umbrella’ Table Lamp Model 5061 in Brass and Glass, Taito, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined and atmospheric table lamp by Paavo Tynell, Model 5061, produced by Taito Oy in the 1950s. Known among collectors as the “Umbrella Lamp,” this design showcases Tynell’s sig...
Brass
Rare Brass Table Lamp Mod. 5061 by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland, ca. 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare large polished brass table lamp by Paavo Tynell produced by Taito, Finland 1940s. In an excellent vintage condition. Measurements: Height : 16.14 inches Diameter: 14.37 i...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Brass Table Lamp, Scandinavian Modern, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Brass Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Table lamp model 9227 Produced by Idman in Finland Dimensions (W x D...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Table Lamp Model 5061 for Taito Brass and Opaline Glass, circa 1940
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Impressive Paavo Tynell Table lamp made in polished brass and amber glass shade. The lamp is in great condition and it's stamped by the editor TAITO. Model 5061. Dimension : 38.5 cm ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy ‘5061’ Table Lamp in Brass
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, table lamp, model ‘5061’, brass, Finland, 1950s A truly magnificent piece that scores highly on every design aspect: execution, use of materials, craftsma...
Brass
Model "5061" Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Utrecht, NL
Paavo Tynell is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of Finnish lighting design from the twentieth century. From recognition at the Barcelona World Exhibition (1929) ...
Brass
