Paavo Tynell Finland, 1890-1973

Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was a Finnish industrial designer with a specialty in lighting design. In 1928, he founded his own company : Taito Oy.  At the begining the company created various metal objects before focusing more on lighting fixtures in the 1930’s, becoming a dominating player on the Finnish lighting market. Due to Paavo Tynell’s contacts in the architectural field, Taito Oy produced fixtures for well known Finnish architects, such as Alvar Aalto, as well as for numerous public buildings until the 1950’s. 

In 1947, Paavo Tynell exported his works to the United States by becoming involved xith the Finland house, a gallery-showroom, restauant and office building in the center of New York. His unique style quickly gained recognition in North America, being published in life an din terior magazines, as well as in the New York Times. This positive publicity led him to collaborate with important international architects and inetrior designers, creating custom fixtures for private clients.  He had a successful career as freelance designer for various international companies during 1950s and 1960s.

In 1953, Taito Oy was purchased by Idman Oy, another Finnish lighting company with whom they had collaborated over the years. Tynell continued to work regularly with Idman oy. 

During his career, Paavo Tynell was awarded at the 1929 Barcelona World Fair and 1933 Milan Triennale. In 1951, he received the first prize at the Good Design Awards. He lived permanently in Tuusula, Finland, where he eventually passed in 1973.