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.
Mid-Century Modern Amber Resin Bird Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is an Amber resin bird sculpture, specifically doves, by Dorothy Thorpe made circa the 1970s. The sculpture is perfectly translucent which makes the birds glow in the light!
Resin
$887Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe in lucite, 1970
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of dorothy thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and lucite pretzel holder designed by elaine bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects that wi...
Lucite
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
$1,113Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Dorothy Thorpe 1960s GuanYin Buddha Cast in Translucent Amber Colored Resin
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful Mid- Century Modern 1960s Dorothy Thorpe designed Buddha or Guanyin cast in translucent amber colored resin. Unmarked, but 100% by Thorpe. In fine condition, no damage. ...
Resin
Pair of Black pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, Circa 1970's
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and blakc lucite pretzel holder designed by Elaine Bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects t...
Metal
Rare Allegro Glass Pitcher by Dorothy Thorpe Mid Century Silver Ring
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare glass pitcher by Dorothy Thorpe part of the Allegro line , the silver ring shows wear due to age and patina .
Silver Leaf
Set of Allegro Glass Pitcher & 4 Glasses by Dorothy Thorpe Mid Century
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare glass pitcher and 4 glasses by Dorothy Thorpe part of the Allegro line , the silver ring shows wear due to age and patina .
Silver Leaf
Set of 5 Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 Mid Century Lucite candlesticks with silvered candle holders designed by Dorothy Thorpe. Some signs of aging in Lucite.
Chrome
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Modern Lucite Citrine Gautama Lotus Buddha Sculpture
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, quite engaging citrine green Lucite seated lotus Siddhartha Gautama Buddha sculpture on attached custom black wood stand by Mid-Century Modern American designer Dorothy ...
Lucite
2 Pretzel Candlestick by Dorothy Thorpe 1970
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Genève, GE
A pair Lucite and gold-plated brass candlestick holder/candelabrum by American designer Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1970s. With its use of a single piece bent and twisted acrylic to form t...
Acrylic
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, c 1970's
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and lucite pretzel holder designed by Elaine Bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects that wi...
Metal
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
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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Glass and Gold Overlay "Angel" Platter by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century glass with 18KT gold overlay "Angel" platter by Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1960s. The piece measures 13"D x .5"H and is super hard to find piece. Original foil tag is attached...
Glass
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
Dorothy Thorpe candlestick
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Midcentury candlestick by Americain designer Dorothy Thorpe in lucite and gold-plate. Height: 20cm. Width:17cm. Depth: 17cm.
Gold Plate
Mid-Century Modern Etched Glass Lidded Box by Dorothy Thorpe, 1935
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lidded Box in the style of Dorothy Thorpe. Divided bottom, chrome hinge. 1 small chip to underside of lid's lip.
Glass
1960s Cast Resin Flower Shape Bowl / Centerpiece by Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Buffalo, NY
1960s cast resin flower shape bowl / centerpiece by Dorothy Thorpe, retains original label.
Resin
$547Sale Price|69% Off
Midcentury Dorothy Thorpe Frosted Lucite Wreathed Pretzel Candelabra 1950s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury Sculptural Dorothy Thorpe frosted Lucite wreathed pretzel candela bra 1950s. Gorgeous, substantial piece.
Lucite
Dorothy Thorpe Resin Pekingese Dog Sculpture
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Westport, CT
Dorothy Thorpe resin Pekingese dog transparent molded sculpture. With original paper label.
Resin
Pair of Two Travertine Candlesticks by Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Two Travertine Candlesticks by Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
Travertine
$826
H 3.94 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Dorothy Thorpe Midcentury Crystal Lucite American Knot Paperweight Sculpture
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Roma, IT
Midcentury crystal Lucite American knot paperweight sculpture. This wonderful piece was designed by Dorothy Thorpe in America during the 1960s. An amazing item with a unique knot ...
Lucite
$1,250
H 14 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Dorothy Thorpe 1960s GuanYin Buddha Cast in Translucent Amber Colored Resin
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful Mid- Century Modern 1960s Dorothy Thorpe designed Buddha or Guanyin cast in translucent amber colored resin. Unmarked, but 100% by Thorpe. In fine condition, no damage. ...
Resin
$1,245
H 15 in W 9 in D 9 in
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Modern Lucite Citrine Gautama Lotus Buddha Sculpture
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, quite engaging citrine green Lucite seated lotus Siddhartha Gautama Buddha sculpture on attached custom black wood stand by Mid-Century Modern American designer Dorothy ...
Lucite
Set of 5 Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 Mid Century Lucite candlesticks with silvered candle holders designed by Dorothy Thorpe. Some signs of aging in Lucite.
Chrome
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
$1,168 / set
H 8.08 in Dm 3.35 in
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt, Patinated, and Burnished Bronze & Brass Candlesticks, circa 1920 Elegant pair of French Empire style candlesticks, crafted from a harmonious co...
Bronze, Brass
A Pair of Turned Walnut Candlesticks by Rude Osolnik 1970's
By Rude Osolnik
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of turned walnut candlesticks by Rude Osolnik, ca' 1970's. "Osolnik was widely admired as one of the finest wood turners in America and his workshops and seminars were in dema...
Walnut
$47 / item
H 0.79 in W 1.97 in D 2.37 in
Post-Modern Small Candle Holder by Six Dots Design, Sanded Aluminum
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Candle Holder by Six Dots Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 6 x W 5 x H 2 cm Materials: Sanded and oiled aluminum. This sand cast aluminium candle holder is expressive, raw a...
Aluminum
Rare Allegro Glass Pitcher by Dorothy Thorpe Mid Century Silver Ring
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare glass pitcher by Dorothy Thorpe part of the Allegro line , the silver ring shows wear due to age and patina .
Silver Leaf
Flying Bird Sculpture by Curtis Jeré, 1970s
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Antwerp, BE
A dynamic Brass bird in flight designed by "Curtis Jeré" is the shared pseudonym of two American artists and designers, Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. They are best known for their d...
Stone, Copper
Mid-Century Modern Italian Alabaster Elephant Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Italian sculpture in alabaster, perfect for as desk decorative piece and paperweight. Perfect condition.
Alabaster
Sold
H 10.24 in W 8.27 in D 7.09 in
Hollywood Regency. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Dorothy Thorpe, Elaine Bscheider, Maison Jansen, Maison Charles
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Big sized Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider for Dorothy Thorpe Inc., USA, 1970s. Prezel-shaped body in transparent methacrylate/acrylic with gold chrome metal c...
Metal, Chrome
Dorothy Thorpe Rose Pink Resin Sculpture of Female Bust c. 1965
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Saint Louis, MO
The love and everlasting romance Artists have with the human body and form dates back several thousand years and continues to inspire sculptures like this rose pink hued classic tors...
Resin
Candle holder with twisted base by Dorothy Thorpe, USA, 1960
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Genève, GE
Acrylic glass and brass candle holder with twisted base by Dorothy Thorpe, USA, 1960.
Plexiglass
Mid-Century Modern Amber Resin Bust Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is an Amber resin bust of classical sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe made circa the 1970s. The sculpture is perfectly translucent which makes the bust glow!
Resin
Pair of Sculptural Lucite Candlestick Holders by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Troy, MI
A pair of sculptural candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider for Dorothy Thorpe circa 1970s Modern design with Lucite bases formed into a twisted knot design and topped with sil...
Lucite
Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Delft, NL
Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s Dimensions: 23,5cm H, 22cm W, 16,5cm D Condition: Mint
Metal
Sold
H 7.68 in W 7.88 in D 6.3 in
Set of 2 Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 2 Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s Dimensions: 19,5cm H, 20cm W, 16cm D Condition: Good silver has some patina see photos Material: Metal , Lu...
Metal
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 7.49 in
Set of 2 Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 2 Dorothy Thorpe Pretzel mid-century lucite candle stick, 1940’s Dimensions: 19,5cm H, 2ocm W, 16cm D Condition: Good silver has some patina see photos Material: Metal , Lucite
Metal
1970's Dorothy Thorpe Lucite & Chrome Pretzel Candle Holders Pair
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely pair of Lucite candle holders designed by Dorothy Thorpe, circa 1970's. Exceptional condition with no flaws to note. Both sparkle like jewelry.
Chrome
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe pretzel candlesticks
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Winnetka, IL
A pair of single Dorothy Thorpe candlesticks with the original tag.
Chrome
Resin Multi Color Dorothy Throrpe Floral Bowl
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Dorothy Thorpe resin bowl in the shape of floral petals. The colors are magnificent and very stunning the bowl could be used to serve chips or n...
Resin
Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Knot Candlesticks
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modernist Dorothy Thorpe lucite knot candlesticks perfect for any modern or traditional decor. Currently 3 pairs available.
Chrome