Paavo Tynell "2040" Glass Ceiling Lights for Taito, Finland Mid-20th Century

The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were inspired by a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material. With an outstanding sense of proportions and balance of shape and form, this model showcases the masterful work of the designers at Taito during the 20th century.

Tynell’s designs in the ceiling lamp series that these lamps belong to merge together simple shapes and sculptural elements. In the 1930s through the 1950s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this pair of milk glass ceiling lamps with the model number “2040”. These lamps embody the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or transparent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century, when the material was used for decorative home accents. These lamps have an eye-catching bucket shape that has a strong presence sticking out - quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light these lamps emit. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holder, these lamps are flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shades. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and his lamps of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.

The mid-century period was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. Taito Oy grew to become a trendsetter for the Finnish lighting industry, and eventually to have a worldwide influence on international design. With their ideas in mind, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's present lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:
9.84 in Ø x 9.84 in H
25 cm Ø x 25 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.