Important Pair of Paavo Tynell Wall Lamps for Kuusihokki Restaurant, Taito 1940s

A very rare pair of wall lamps from one of Finland’s most storied restaurants: Ravintola Kuusihokki—later Restaurant No. 11 and today Restaurant Meiccu. These lamps are one of only three pairs that lined the walls of the restaurant from its opening in 1946. Having the opportunity to acquire the entire lighting ensemble from this historic interior—chandeliers and wall lamps alike—was an exceptional privilege. This is the first fully restored pair from the set, presented here after a meticulous and respectful restoration.

Design & Craftsmanship:
Belonging to the early postwar 94xx series, model 9406, this pair showcases Tynell’s poetic sculptural sensibility. Five slender, wave-like brass arms extend from a compact wall base over two tiers, giving the lamps a sense of gentle movement. At the end of each arm rests a hand-blown glass shade in a warm champagne tone, seated in a flower-like brass cup mimicking five luminous blossoms casting a soft, atmospheric light. The composition is airy and delicate, yet unmistakably confident, reflecting the grace of Tynell’s late-1940s work.

Restoration:
Following eight decades of service, the lamps have been professionally restored. The brass surfaces had developed a dense patina, and the wiring required a full update. Remarkably, all five glass shades on each lamp survived intact and remain original to the pieces. Please refer to before-restoration photographs attached.

Cultural Significance:
The lighting originally came from another major Helsinki landmark—the Vaakuna Hotel—before being installed at Kuusihokki (Meiccu), a restaurant now recognized as part of Finland’s cultural heritage. These lamps are therefore not only exceptional examples of Finnish design but also historic witnesses to a significant public interior. We consider it an honour to have preserved them and to now guide them into their next chapter. Due to their heritage value, an export permit is required, but has already been granted to us.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973), often described as the man who “illuminated Finland,” was one of the country’s most influential lighting designers. His works appear in many major buildings, from the Helsinki Railway Station to international commissions through Finland House in New York. Trained in metalwork and later a co-founder of Taito Oy, Tynell developed a lyrical and distinctive style that today commands worldwide admiration.