Chandelier

Chandelier model 1752 with six arms in painted metal by Taito and hand painted glass made by Kauklahden Lasitehdas. Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a Finnish lighting designer and a played a central role in shaping modern Scandinavian lighting in the first half of the 20th Century. He was also known as The man who illuminated Finland. He was renowned for his delicate, poetic approach to light and materials. A trained metalworker and co-founder of the pioneering lighting company Taito Oy, he brought a craftsman’s sensitivity to industrial production, shaping light not merely as illumination but as atmosphere. The lights were made by hand in limited quantities, and many were produced as special commissions for hotels, banks and churches as well as for private clients. Tynell’s designs possess a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, merging simple decorative shapes with sculptural elements. He favoured brass for its beautiful warm glow and combined it with glass and natural materials like leather and rattan, he designed decorative and functional light fixtures that remain just as alluring today. In 1953 the majority of Taito Oy was sold to the Finnish lighting company Idman Oy. Tynell continued designing for the company and Idman’s focus on a more serial production led to an international career for Tynell which saw him designing for the American lighting companies Lightcraft Inc. and Lightolier inc. Through his long career he also worked with other great designers and architects of his time such as Alvar Aalto, with whom he collaborated on light fixtures for the Paimio Sanatorium, the Savoy Restaurant and the Viipuri library. His lamps are represented at Design Museum Helsinki and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum among others. --- Finland, 1940's ---