Finnish mid-century design is characterized by simple, elegant forms - which Paavo Tynell was a master of. Reflective of Finnish culture, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep connection to the natural world.

Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. He was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturing company in Finland, Taito Oy. Functionality, a thoughtful colour palette, and a pared down, simple style are key principles for the Finnish icon. In the 1960s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this brass and opal glass ceiling lamp with the model number “A2-7”.

This lamp embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterized Finnish design in the 1960s. Still, even in the absence of heavy ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Opal glass, appropriately named for its opaque or white tone, was first created by glass blowing houses in Venice in the 16th century. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes but continued to be popular during the 20th century, when the material was used as home accents to decorate households. Thanks to the concealed steel ceiling holder, this lamp is flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shade and brass accent. Tynell was a master of working with opal glass, and his lamps of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.

The 1960s was a decade 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 lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines and a unique design.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches. The brass ornament has developed a beautiful patina.

Dimensions:

10.43 in Ø x 7.08 in H

26.5 cm Ø x 18 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.