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The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his numerous 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 perforated and polished brass as material.

Model “2350” is one of the most unusual looking wall lights in the designer’s repertoire. It features painted brass and opaque glass as its main materials. This lamp has two light sources; on the upper section, the frosted glass plate diffuses the light subtly, while the adjustable shade focuses light directly. The modernistic look is achieved by the simple, yet smart design of the silhouette. The look is almost industrial, yet has the edge is Finnish mid-century design. Taking into account that Tynell was often inspired by nature, using swirly and curling lines, the design of this model is all the more interesting. 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, aesthetic and functional design, and expert craftsmanship is indispensable. This wall light brings interest to any flat surface as a piece of design history.

Paavo Tynell began his career in Helsinki at the beginning of the 20th century as a tinsmith, but quickly developed into a good blacksmith specializing in metal finishes. While working for Koru OY, a Finnish metal art forging company, Tynell qualified as a master craftsman in 1913. He was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy – the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland, and the manufacturer of model “2350”.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the painted brass.

Dimensions:

9.84 in W x 12.99 in D x 14.17 in H

25 cm W x 33 cm D x 36 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.