Taito Oy 1940’s chandelier with flowers

in brass and glass

In 1918, Taito Oy was established, and it would become Paavo Tynell’s life work. The shareholders were Gösta Serlachius, professor Emil Wickström, artist Eric Ehrström, silversmith Franz Nykänen and Mr. Tynell. Taito Oy did a wide range of work using many different metals: General Mannerheim received a sword, the King of Spain a silver bowl, and all around Finland there are still metal gates and railings by the company. Taito Oy also made lamps from the start and that is what interested Paavo Tynell, it eventually becoming the thing he’s renowned for. His influence on Finnish light manufacturing and design has been significant and Idman Oy also worked with Taito Oy.

In the 1930s Taito focused on the production of lamps. The small shop grew into a factory, which soon employed more than a hundred people. Before the Second World War, the factory moved to Vilhonvuorenkatu, where it was located until the end. Taito Oy made a wide range of light fixtures, both standard and custom designed as well as “art” lamps for public spaces. After the war, Paavo Tynell began to design using brass. It was the only metal which was immediately accessible as it was a genuinely domestic product thanks to the mining company Outokumpu. Brass light fixtures became Paavo Tynell’s trademark and it would take him all the way to the US. His lamps were presented there in 1948 and they immediately received much attention.

Unknown designer, produced by Taito Oy Finland between 1930/’40

Made from brass and glass

W 30 D 30 H 57 cm