Dorothy Thorpe glassware was a chic staple of every mid-century modern wet bar, particularly her festive Roly Poly silver-banded tumblers. Although not as widely known as such contemporaries as Eva Zeisel and Edith Heath, Thorpe was one of a group of creative and entrepreneurial women whose designs captured the imagination of the postwar homeowner with her modern and cheery works.
Thorpe was born in Salt Lake City in 1901 and settled in Los Angeles as a young woman. She began creating her signature glassware using the trade name Dorothy Thorpe Originals in the 1930s. Thorpe was a designer, not a glassblower. To create her shimmering wares, she purchased glass blanks from a variety of manufacturers and subjected them to various techniques, including sandblasting, etching and silver overlay.
Initially Art Deco in style, the pieces were signed with a large T and smaller D. Thorpe also worked in ceramics and, in the 1940s, with Lucite, producing a line of household items, such as magazine racks, sculptural lamps, candlesticks and umbrella stands.
After World War II, Thorpe was inspired by a new interest in the flowers and animals of the South Pacific and began incorporating tropical floral motifs into her work. She traveled to Hawaii and studied local irises, roses, azaleas, narcissus and eucalyptus. The decorative patterns based on these studies were created primarily by sandblasting, which makes a glass surface appear frosted.
From the 1930s through the ’50s, Thorpe’s designs won her many fans among the members of café society, including Princess Grace of Monaco and the Shah of Iran. They were also widely imitated. Vintage tumblers that bear a silver stripe around the rim but lack the “DT” signature on the bottom are not Thorpe originals.
In the 1950s, Thorpe created the glassware line Atomic Splash, which featured the energetic geometric patterns that were so popular at the time. Atomic Splash patterned drinking glasses and serving dishes bore a silver overlay that evoked an explosion.
Thorpe also designed a line of ceramic tableware decorated with a wreath of spring flowers in collaboration with Crown Lynn Pottery, in New Zealand, and, in the mid-’60s, created coffee sets for the Santa Barbara and Monterey companies. Among her own ceramics products were lines glazed in the eye-catching shades of Orange Persimmon and Blue Periwinkle.
Find vintage Dorothy Thorpe glasses and tableware for sale on 1stDibs.
Dorothy Thorpe Candle Holder, Lucite and Brass, Twisted Base, USA, circa 1940
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Candlestick has been done in United States icirca 1940. It is made in Lucite and brass. Gold and transparent color. The artist is Dorothy thorpe.
Brass
Gold and Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A single Lucite and gold-plated brass candlestick holder/candelabrum by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1940s. With its use of a single piece bent and twisted acrylic to form...
Gold Plate, Brass
$878Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.08 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970s
By Elaine Bscheider, Dorothy Thorpe
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider for Dorothy Thorpe Inc., USA, 1970s. Prezel-shaped body in transparent methacrylate/acrylic with chrome-plated golden ...
Metal, Chrome
Mid Century Twisted Brass Candle Holder Pair
Located in Toronto, CA
A classic design with an interesting twist, this Mid-Century brass candle holder pair combines timeless elegance with sculptural appeal. Crafted from brass, the twisted form adds a d...
Brass
2 Vintage Baroque Figural Brass Candelabra Candlestick Holders 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage brass candelabras / candle sticks featuring two figures in Renaissance attire holding a torchiere with four candlesticks. Supported by a tripod base. Dimensions: 9" x 1...
Brass
$775
H 7.5 in W 8.25 in D 7 in
Single Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" Twisted Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Dorothy Thorpe twisted Lucite candlestick with nickel plated candle holders. Set does show very few internal age cracks, common with lucite of this age. Excludes candles.
Chrome
Pair of Metal Standing Candlestick Holders / Candelabra
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Stunning pair of metal standing candlestick holders. With ornate details and very stylish base.
$1,576 / set
H 9.65 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Silver Plated and Lucite Twisted Candlesticks, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of twisted candlesticks is made of lucite and silver plated. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Silver
$1,102Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.08 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in
Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970S
By Dorothy Thorpe, Elaine Bscheider
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider, United States, 1970s, United States. Black methacrylate in the shape of a prezel and chrome-plated golden metal candl...
Steel, Chrome
Cast Lucite Cat by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1940's cat sculpture in translucent yellow tone lucite, by design immortal Dorothy Thorpe.
Lucite
$2,569 / set
H 7.09 in W 7.09 in D 6.7 in
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, Lucite and Gilt brass, 1970's
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic pair of 1970s Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" candlesticks. Each features a fluid, twisted clear Lucite base forming an elegant pretzel knot, topped with a polished gilt brass candle...
Brass
Charles Hollis Jones Lucite & Chrome Candlestick Holder
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Introducing the epitome of modern elegance – the Charles Hollis Jones Lucite & Chrome Candlestick Holder. This striking piece seamlessly blends the timeless allure of lucite with the...
Lucite
Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks, a Pair
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a modern pair of candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, circa the 1970s. These eye-catching sculptural candlesticks are crafted from beautiful Lucite and twisted for a structural display piece that is sure to make a statement. A stainless-steel finish collar at the end draws the eye, with or without candlelight. They hold standard size taper candles. A beautiful example of Thorpe’s work, this set of taper holders turns a dining table, mantel, or console table into a perfectly appointed display. Stainless steel is clean and polished, a few inclusions on both pieces consistent with age and wear of Lucite; overall, in good vintage condition and ready to be used for years to come. Please see all attached pictures. Single Candelabra: 7.75” W x 6.75” D x 6.75” H Double Candelabra...
Stainless Steel
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 9 in W 6.25 in D 3.25 in
Antique Pair Brass Double Candlestick Holders Russian Candelabra
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair brass double candlestick holders candelabra. Russian Bearded Man. Appears made in Russia. Unmarked. Patina present. Dimensions: 9" H x 3.25" D x 6....
Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 7.09 in
Gold & Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder / Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A Lucite and gold-plated brass double candlestick holder/candelabra by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1970s. Made from a single piec...
Brass, Gold
Dorothy Thorpe Lucite and Brass Candle Holder, 1950s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Naples, IT
Rare white lucite candlestick by Dorothy Thorpe with brass candle holder, circa 1950s.
Brass
Sold
H 7.29 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Gold and Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A single Lucite and gold-plated brass candlestick holder/candelabrum by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1940s. With its use of a single piece bent and twisted acrylic to form...
Gold Plate, Brass
Sold
H 7.29 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Gold and Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A single Lucite and gold-plated brass candlestick holder/candelabra by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1940s. With its use of a single piece bent and twisted acrylic to form ...
Gold Plate, Brass
Pair of Pretzel Candlesticks in Lucite and Nickelled by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
This iconic and graphic pair of candlesticks were realized by the celebrated midcentury American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1950. Often imitated, but never replicated, Thorpe cre...
Nickel
Pair of Midcentury Lucite and Nickel Candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
This iconic and graphic pair of candlesticks were realized by the celebrated midcentury American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1950. Often imitated, but never replicated, Thorpe cre...
Nickel
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Gold and Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe, Elaine Bscheider
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A vintage midcentury Lucite and gold-plated brass double candlestick holder/candelabra designed by Elaine Bscheider for American designer Dor...
Gold, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Dual Headed Lucite Aluminum Candleholder Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, dual headed, Lucite and aluminum candleholder, by Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1970s. In excellent vintage condit...
Lucite
Pair of Midcentury Lucite and Nickel Candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
This iconic and graphic pair of candlesticks were realized by the celebrated midcentury American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1950. Often imitated, but never replicated, Thorpe cre...
Nickel
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 7.09 in
Dorothy Thorpe Silver and Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A Lucite and chrome-plated brass double candlestick holder/candelabra designed by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1940s. With it's us...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 7.09 in
Gold & Lucite Twisted Pretzel Candlestick Holder/Candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A Lucite and gold-plated brass double candlestick holder/candelabra by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1940s. With it's use of a sing...
Brass, Gold
Sold
H 7.25 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Dorothy Thorpe Silver Five Branch Candelabra Silver Ceramic Mid-Century Modern
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible Mid-Century Modern five branch candelabra by Dorothy Thorpe. Made of ceramic with a silver wash. It retains its original round Doroth...
Ceramic