Paavo Viljo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneering designer and master metalworker, celebrated for his refined lighting designs that helped define modern Scandinavian design. As co-founder and chief designer of the Taito company, established in 1918, Tynell created distinctive brass and glass lamps known for their elegant simplicity and perforated detailing. His work brought a poetic quality to light, blending craftsmanship with functional beauty.
Educated at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki, where he later taught metalwork, Tynell collaborated with leading architects including Alvar Aalto. His designs illuminated landmark buildings such as the Parliament House and Lasipalatsi in Helsinki, as well as the office of the UN Secretary-General in New York.
Tynell’s lamps gained international acclaim, particularly in the 1950s, when they became sought-after in both Finland and the United States. Today, his works are highly collectible—iconic pieces like the “Snowflake” pendant have achieved record prices at auction. In 2018, Gubi reissued several of his classic designs, reaffirming Tynell’s enduring influence on modern lighting.