Paavo Tynell...
(1890 - 1973), affectionately known as "The Man Who Illuminated Finland," was not merely a lighting designer; he was a vital force in shaping Finland's national aesthetic. As a pioneer of modern lighting, Tynell skillfully fused functionality with elegance, crafting designs that continue to inspire and resonate in contemporary design. His innovative approach has left an indelible mark on the world of illumination, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Born in...
Helsinki into a working-class family as the seventh of nine children, Paavo Tynell faced limited access to formal education. However, he showcased an early talent for design and craftsmanship. At the age of 16, he began an apprenticeship at G.M. Sohlberg’s metalsmith workshop, a prestigious Finnish establishment, and subsequently completed another year-long apprenticeship as a blacksmith. It was during this formative period that Tynell created his first light fixture in brass—a material that would ultimately become his hallmark.
By 1918, Tynell co-founded the now-legendary Taito Oy alongside his teacher, Eric Ehrström, an accomplished craftsman and industrial designer known for his expertise in metal embossing, enamel work, and jewelry making. They also partnered with metalsmith Frans Nykänen, a Finnish goldsmith and metalworking educator who authored several textbooks on the subject, as well as sculptor Emil Wickström, a prominent figure in Finnish sculpture.
As managing director and principal designer, Tynell propelled Taito Oy to the forefront of Finnish design, creating both custom pieces and large-scale installations that mirrored Finland’s burgeoning modernization and electrification. Initially, Taito Oy offered a diverse range of metalwork but soon shifted its focus exclusively to lighting, solidifying its reputation in this specialized field.
In the 1930s...
Tynell began working on high-profile projects that highlighted his talent for creating atmospheric, indirect lighting. His collaborations with modernist architects, such as the renowned Finnish architect, designer, and town planner Alvar Aalto, significantly elevated Tynell's international profile. Among his most notable projects during this period were the custom light fixtures for Finland’s Parliament House, designed by architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén. Tynell’s soft, indirect lighting beautifully complemented modern interiors, particularly in restaurants and theatres, where a warm ambiance was essential.
As chairman of Ornamo, Finland’s association of industrial designers, Tynell played a vital role in mentoring the next generation of designers. His leadership at Taito also provided opportunities for emerging talents, including Helena Turpeinen, a gifted glass designer who would later become his wife in 1947.
Tynell's influence...
extended far beyond Finland. In 1948 at age 58, he travelled to New York to oversee the installation of Taito Oy’s lighting at Finland House, a showcase for Finnish design in the U.S. Despite language barriers, his work gained widespread acclaim, with glowing features in the New York Times and exhibitions at Finland House in 1950 and 1952. To adapt to U.S. regulations, Tynell innovatively incorporated counterweights into his fixtures, a hallmark of his later designs.
During this time, Tynell collaborated with prominent American brands like Lightolier, crafting iconic designs that seamlessly blended Finnish craftsmanship with modernist sensibilities. His work for the United Nations, particularly the Model 9060 brass lamp created for Secretary-General Trygve Lie’s office, garnered the top prize from the American Institute of Interior Decorators. These accomplishments cemented Tynell’s status as a global design icon.
At the heart of...
Tynell’s designs were a deep respect for natural materials and an understanding of light’s emotional impact. His innovative use of perforated and polished brass gave his lamps an ethereal quality, allowing light to dance through intricate patterns. Whether crafting sculptural chandeliers or delicate wall sconces, Tynell’s designs always felt organic yet modern, rooted in his Finnish heritage.
His aesthetic ranged from functionalist and Art Deco styles in the 1930s to more decorative and whimsical designs in the postwar era. Pieces like the Snowflake Chandelier, with its intricate brass details, and the Butterfly Wall Lamp, which combines light and sculpture, are enduring examples of his artistry. His work continues to captivate collectors and design enthusiasts, bridging the gap between utility and art.
Though Tynell...
retired at age 63 in 1953, his designs remained in high demand, with his influence lasting long after his death. In 2018, international design house Gubi reintroduced several of Tynell’s most iconic designs, including the 1965 Pendant and the 9602 Floor Lamp, to a new generation of design lovers. These reissues celebrate the timeless appeal of Tynell’s work, ensuring his legacy continues to illuminate homes and public spaces worldwide.
Dshop is proud to honor Paavo Tynell’s enduring legacy with a curated selection of his most iconic designs. Each piece is a tribute to Tynell’s visionary approach to lighting and craftsmanship, offering both beauty and functionality to elevate your interiors. Explore the artistry of Tynell’s creations and bring a piece of design history into your home today.
