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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur‎

From the ’30s and throughout the ’50s, Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was considered Finland’s premier lighting designer, called on to illuminate public spaces across the country. In Helsinki in particular, Tynell’s lighting was part of the fabric of the city. His influence spread abroad, too, with Tynell becoming especially successful in the U.S., where he acquired near-celebrity status as a designer.

His world-renowned and often extremely rare works are mostly formed from perforated and polished brass. However, his early lamps had a chandelier-inspired design, and during the 1920s the use of glass became an increasingly important part of his lamps. This model is special for a number of reasons besides its rarity. Firstly, the material: Tynell predominantly used wrought iron in the earlier phase of his career, designing richly decorated chandeliers that preceded the modernist movement’s widespread influence. The shape and colour of the shades stand out beautifully against the black iron and the decorated body, which will in no doubt add a unique ambience to any space.

Tynell’s designs merge together simple and decorative shapes as well as sculptural and natural elements. This chandelier in particular showcases his attention to detail. From afar, this piece exhibits a traditional chandelier shape - multiple lamps fixed to or hanging from a branched frame - yet when you look closer, the decorative and sculptural details are revealed.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Lamp has recently been rewired. The shades are a later replacement.

Dimensions:

26.77 in Ø x 41.73 in H

68 cm Ø x 106 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”.

Tyne 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.