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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

Finnish mid-century design is characterised 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, thoughtful ones, and a pared down 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”. With its sleek and simple aesthetic, and in the absence of heavy ornamentation, the emphasis falls on 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. Milk glass was an extremely popular material for lighting fixtures in the mid-20th century, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this pair demonstrates. To complement the model, three metal rings come together to create a distinctive element placed at the opening of the shade. Through its white colour, this detail provides an interesting visual point without overwhelming the design.

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. Tynell was a master of working with opal glass, and his lamps of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lights have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Imperfections on the outer glass may be present due to the age of the material and manufacturing inconsistencies. The lamps are compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

9.64 in ⌀ x 5.31 in H

24.5 cm ⌀ x 13.5 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.