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. 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
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
$1,200 / set
Set of 5 Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks
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
$1,137Sale 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 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
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
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
$842
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
Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Decorative piece for on a dining table. Made of red deer antlers.
Antler
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
$904 / set
H 7.68 in W 4.53 in D 4.34 in
Dorothy Thorpe style. Hollywood Regency candle holders, Italy, 1970s
By Elaine Bscheider, Charles Hollis Jones, Dorothy Thorpe
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regeny lucite candelabras, Italy, 1970s. Made entirely of transparent methacrylate, with gold chrome metal and brass details. Very much in the style of Elaine Bscheider's A...
Metal, Brass, 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
$318Sale Price|47% Off
H 13 in W 7.88 in D 3.86 in
Stilnovo Style Brass Black Wall Candle Holder, 1940s
By Bauhaus, Stilnovo
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Simplistic black metal and brass wall candle holder for two standard size candles. Slender black mount with brass cone shaped holders. Likely manufactured in the 1940s in the style o...
Metal, Brass
Gucci Vintage Quail Candle Holder 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci Vintage quail teal light candle holders in silver plated metal and little sapphire glass eyes and signed with Gucci. Very good vintage condition.
Silver Plate
$450 / set
H 10.5 in Dm 5 in
Antique English Barley Twist Candlesticks Candle Holders Oak PAIR 10.5" Tall
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Pair of Antique English Oak BARLEY TWIST Candlesticks Candle Holders c. 1930s Beautiful twist with nice oak patina 10.5" tall~~round bases are 5"~~brass inset cups are li...
Oak
$2,800
H 13.38 in W 15.75 in D 3.57 in
Felix Agostini Modernist Gilt Bronze Candelabra, Candle-holder Candlestick
By Felix Agostini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your interior with the bold sophistication of this exceptional modern bronze candlestick, a striking tribute to the sculptural elegance reminiscent of Felix Agostini's work. Cr...
Bronze
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
$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
Brutalist Metal Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Metal Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Antique or ...
Metal
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
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
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
Sold
H 7.13 in W 8 in D 6.38 in
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" Twisted Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of classic Dorothy Thorpe twisted Lucite candlesticks with nickel plated candle holders. Set does show some internal age cracks, one candle stick is worse than the other, come w...
Chrome
Dorothy Thorpe Vintage Lucite Pretzel Candlesticks
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful vintage pair of lucite and chrome candlesticks in the shape of a pretzel made in the 1960s Designed by Dorothy Thorpe.
Metal
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
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Lucite Candleholders
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Astoria, NY
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Modern pair of lucite pretzel candleholders, each one fitting three candles.
Metal