Rare Paavo Tynell Brass Perforated Wall Lamp for Taito Oy, Finland 1950s

Finnish mid-century design is characterized by simple, elegant forms that Paavo Tynell was a master of. Like Finnish culture he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep connection to the natural world. His favourite material to work with was brass, and he formed the material into shapes that are very characteristic and unique.

Paavo 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, a pared down, simple style and a thoughtful colour palette are key principles for the Finnish icon, whose present wall lamp model features modern solutions and focuses on the characteristics of brass itself. The design features Tynell’s unique perforated shade with a ring of perforated, tilted lines and holes all over the brass shade. They make for a lovely effect when the light is lit and can easily confirm Tynell as the designer. The lampshade hangs from the brass rod which has interesting angles that outline the shape of the shade and showcase the craftsmanship by bending the brass seemingly effortlessly. The neck can be adjusted freely at the bottom on the horizontal axis, which is also a typical Tynell consideration in his designs. The backplate is especially unusual with an elongated, rectangular construction that allows the lamp to stand organically and freely. In the spirit of Finnish mid-century design and culture, this lamp takes on exciting, free forms adjusted to the user needs.

This lamp was manufactured by the famous Finnish manufactory Taito Oy, one of the most innovative Scandinavian lighting design companies of the mid-century era. Paavo Tynell was the co-founder and chief designer of the company until 1953. The company’s lighting designs define the Finnish mid-century era, and the models of the period, including this wall lamp, are greatly sought after to this day.

Condition:
In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass has some weather marks and a beautiful patina.

Dimensions:
9.84 in W x 17.51 in D x 20.86 in H
25 cm W x 44.5 cm D x 53 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 when 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. 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.

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.