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)
Finnish Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning brass table lamp by Paavo Tynell, made from brass and stem wrapped in leather. Adjustable shade with a nice perforated edge and a horseshoe shaped foot. Model #9224
Brass
Modernist Table Lamp by Bertil Brisborg, NK, Sweden, 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Bertil Brisborg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Sweet small desk lamp by Bertil Brisborg, in a funcionalist design with cream colored lacquer, slightly grainy in structure. Brass base with scratches. Bertil Brisborg was chief arc...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Grace Table Lamp by Harald Notini, Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1920/30s
By Harald Notini, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
An elegant Swedish Grace table lamp from Böhlmarks. Made from nickel-plated brass. Beautiful decorative sculpted details. Tapering stem in red trolite with a wawy termination, rounde...
Brass, Nickel
Modernist Table Lamp by Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful table lamp by Hans Bergström, made from brass and mahogany. Scalloped edges around the top and bottom of the shade. Handle embossed with decorative stripes. Hans Bergström...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing midcentury modern porcelain table lamp by Carl-Harry Stålhane. Graphical, sculptural body with striking black/-brownish and white decor. Asymmetric, pleated shade.
Porcelain
Functionalist Table Lamp by Harald Notini, Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1930s
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Harald Notini
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A clean table lamp from Böhlmarks in a pure functionalist design. Made from nickel-plated brass with a black lacquered shade, crowned with a decorative top with line decoration in re...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell table lamp model 5066 for Taito circa 1950
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
The Paavo Tynell model 5066 table lamp for Taito has a compact, almost architectural presence, softened by its combination of brass, wood and a finely pleated shade.A round brass foo...
Brass
A table lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A table lamp designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland. Circa 1950th. Model "5066". Wood stem, perforated brass plate on top of the shade, with pleated fabric. Dimensions H 16....
Brass
Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A table lamp designed by Paavo Tynell model '5066' for Taito Oy, Finland. Circa 1950th Wooden stem, perforated brass plate on top of the shade, covered with pleated fabric. Dimension...
Brass
Model 9201 Table Lamp, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 9201 table lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass frame with original fabric lampshade and wood detail. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Timeless Scandinavian Modern design. Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) is one of the most important names in Finnish lighting design, and his work has had a significant impact on modern lighting design also on an international level. Tynell, who studied at the Helsinki School...
Brass
Model "5061" Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
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
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
