The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.

From the early 20th century, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this pair of nickel-plated brass and opal glass ceiling lamps with the model number “2016”. These lamps embody the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterized Finnish design in the 1930s. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation or elaborate shapes and forms, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Opal glass, with its pure milk white tone, was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century, when the material was used to decorate households as home accents. These lamps have a gentle, round shape that is just as soft as the light that gets diffused. Opal glass was a popular material for lighting fixtures in the 20th century, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light. As this pair demonstrates, it was also prized for its lustrous, opaque finish, which gives these lamps a sophisticated and refined look. Tynell was a master of working with this material, and his milk and opal glass lamps are some of his most sought-after designs. With the nickel-plated brass shade holders visible, this pair is semi flush mounted, closely hanging from the ceiling.

The 1930s was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's “2016” ceiling lamp model embodies these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and an elegantly modern, yet functional design.

SOLD

‎Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The nickel-plated brass has a patina with some marks.

Dimensions:

10.23 in Ø x 5.11 in H

26 cm Ø x 13 cm H

About the designer:

Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed as “the man who illuminated Finland”.

Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy – the first industrial producer of 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.

Paavo Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 40s, where 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 Alvar Aalto’s major projects, including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.

Tynell was especially appraised through 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 himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass as material. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lightning echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells. ~H.