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Tynell, Paavo
(1890 - 1973)
Paavo Tynell was a Finnish lighting designer and metalsmith. He trained at the Helsinki University of Industrial Arts and began his career as a skilled craftsman before moving into design.
In 1918, Tynell co-founded Taito Oy, where he served as chief designer and later managing director. Under his leadership, the company developed from a general metalwork workshop into Finland’s foremost lighting manufacturer. Tynell’s early work often showed the influence of Nordic Art Nouveau, with decorative wrought iron and brass forms.
From the 1930s onward, his designs grew lighter and more modern, distinguished by perforated brass surfaces, delicate ornament, and inventive use of natural motifs. He produced custom lighting for major Finnish buildings, collaborating with architects such as Alvar Aalto, while also designing serial production pieces for Taito.
After 1953, when Idman Oy acquired a majority share in Taito, Tynell stepped down as managing director but continued to design. In the 1950s and 1960s he also worked internationally, especially in the United States. His lamps are today regarded as icons of Finnish modern design.
