"A2" Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1970s























"A2" Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1970s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Tynell's lamps have developed in style over time; his early lamps had a chandelier inspired design, during the 1920s, the use of glass became an increasingly important part of his lamps. During the interwar period, Tynell designed both art deco-style lamps and more functionalistic, simpler lamps. In his functionalist inspired lamps, Tynell took into account how the lamp was to be used, which is clearly traceable in the design of these “A2” lamps.
The modernistic look is achieved by the simple, yet smart design of the black lacquered cylindrical silhouette. The look is almost industrial, yet has the edge is Finnish mid-century design. By the 1950s, Finland had established itself as a force for innovation in design, and the versatility of Tynell explains why. As seen in this model, the masterful combination of materials, blend of aesthetic and functional design features, and expert craftsmanship was indispensable. Despite being made of metal, the bodies appear light mainly thanks to the structures connecting to the backplates that allow the lamps to be adjusted in almost any direction and angle. Furthermore, since the cylinders are open at both ends, providing two sources of light, making this pair both ideal task and ambient light sources. The two main structural elements - the white shade holders, and backplates and the black shades are clearly separated both by their colours and shapes. This results in a greatly balanced look that Tynell was a master of. The most significant clientele of the luminaires designed by Tynell were architects, which made Paavo Tynell the leading lighting designer for public spaces, and that likely goes for these “A2” wall lights as well.
The lamps still have Idman Oy’s manufacturer’s mark. The firm, Taito Oy, was established by Tynell in 1918, and it would become his life work. In 1953, Idman Oy acquired the majority of shares in Taito Oy, nonetheless, Paavo Tynell continued to work for the company on a freelance basis, through his own design firm. This model was designed and produced during this time.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
5.9 in W x 7.28 in H x 8.85 in H
15 cm W x 18.5 cm D x 22.5 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.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s most important lighting designers and came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable models. As a master craftsman, his designs combined a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility and an extensive use of glass and brass. His work with Idman followed the company’s acquisition of the majority of shares in Taito Oy in 1953, after which Tynell continued designing on a freelance basis.
This set of four Model “80113” ceiling lamps embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Tynell’s designs merge together simple shapes and carefully considered materials. Each lamp has an eye-catching, shallow rounded milk glass shade with a broad upper section and a softly curved lower profile. The opaque ivory-white glass conceals the light source while allowing the illumination to spread evenly across the entire shade. The edges are just as soft as the light the lamps emit, giving the glass an organic shape despite the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the glass shades. This keeps the construction visually clean and leaves the attention on the material and the quality of the illumination. When lit, the milk glass produces a warm, atmospheric glow and emphasises the smooth curvature of the shades. Used as a set, the repetition of the same compact form creates an effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
The best qualities of Finnish mid-century light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functional design, and these lamps embody those qualities particularly well. The construction makes them suitable for hallways, bedrooms or rooms with lower ceilings, while the simple glass forms integrate naturally into the surrounding architecture. Combining Tynell’s sensitivity to light with Idman’s Finnish manufacture, the model “80113” lamps offer an elegant example of his more restrained ceiling designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.84 in ø x 4.72 in H
25 cm ø x 12 cm H