An exceptionally rare custom-made Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp with exclusive provenance. This lamp is one of only two of this most likely unique model, commissioned and designed for the Akaa Parish in the Toijala region of Middle Finland. The lamps have been in the Parish since their installation in the early 1950s, with one placed in the Pastor's office and the other in the entrance hall.
This piece exemplifies mid-century lighting design at its best, crafted by one of the world's leading lighting designers. The lamp is quite sizable with a diameter of 55cm and a height of just over 20cm. The round brass shade features a rare star perforation, adding an extra layer of specialness. The star reflections cast onto the ceiling provide additional depth to an already beautiful and sophisticated design. The base of the lamp consists of concentric brass-rings design that holds a glass diffuser, covering three light bulbs inside. The lamp remains in beautiful original condition, with only the electric wiring having been renewed.
The lamp is stamped Taito. Please note that, unless sold already, we have the other similar lamp in a seperate listing.
Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a Finnish designer who is well renowned around the world for his incredible lighting fixtures and lamps. Tynell is known as the man who “illuminated Finland” and his works can be found in numerous public offices and buildings such as the Finnish Parliament House and the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York.
Tynell started as a sheet metal worker´s apprentice at G.W.Sohlbergs workshop in 1906. After that he moved to Taidetakomo Koru Oy in 1912, which was a metal workshop specializing in electric light fixtures. Then Paavo studied at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki and after that he taught in it too. Paavo then founded Taito Oy in 1918 with a number of colleagues. Taito produced a number of other items other than just light fixtures in the early years, however the main focus became lamps after Finland adopted the use of electricity. By the 1930s Finnish households started buying light fixtures as the use of electricity became more common. In the 1920s Taito`s main sales were still mostly public commissions, for example the Paimio Sanatorium which was designed by Alvar aalto.
After WW2 and the quite challenging shortage years in Finland, Tynell finally had his major breakthrough. His style became quite distinctive and was mainly aimed at the U.S. markets. He sold both catalogue lamps as well as commissioned works through Finland House in N.Y. Although his late 1940s-1950s style was widely criticized at first in Finland, he stuck to it, and luckily so. It wasn´t long before his lamp fixtures became Finland House´s best selling product. Nowadays Tynells high end lamps fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide, and deservingly so. His commisioned lamps number in the thousands, and unfortunately not all documents or archive materials are intact.
Note:- Shipping might take up to 1 month or more due to possible exports permissions.
