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Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was an indus-

trial designer, known as the great pioneer of

Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed as

“the man who illuminated Finland”. A master

craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were de-

rivative of a traditional aesthetic with a mod-

ern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use

of perforated and polished brass as material.

Marked by delicacy and softness, his most fa-

mous forms in lighting echo the structures of

nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes

reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling

snowflakes and seashells.

1918

Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy

– the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland, founded in

1918. 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.

1930

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.

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1948

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.