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Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

American, 1901-1989

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.

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Creator: Dorothy Thorpe
Mid-Century Modern Amber Resin Bird Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Amber Resin Bird Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s

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!

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Dorothy Thorpe 1960s GuanYin Buddha Cast in Translucent Amber Colored Resin
Dorothy Thorpe 1960s GuanYin Buddha Cast in Translucent Amber Colored Resin

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. ...

Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Modern Lucite Citrine Gautama Lotus Buddha Sculpture
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Modern Lucite Citrine Gautama Lotus Buddha Sculpture

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 ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Cast Lucite Cat by Dorothy Thorpe
Cast Lucite Cat by Dorothy Thorpe

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.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Dorothy Thorpe Resin Pekingese Dog Sculpture
Dorothy Thorpe Resin Pekingese Dog Sculpture

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Resin

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Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970s
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Vintage Cast Bronze Buddha Head Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
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Single Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" Twisted Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
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Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks, a Pair
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H 9.25 in W 8 in D 6.5 in

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...

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Set of 5 Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
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By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in New York, NY

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Rare Allegro Glass Pitcher by Dorothy Thorpe Mid Century Silver Ring
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Previously Available Items
Dorothy Thorpe Rose Pink Resin Sculpture of Female Bust c. 1965
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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!

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Dorothy Thorpe Acrylic and Silver-Plate Snake Sculpture
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Dorothy Thorpe table top snake. Missing 1 snakehead.

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Art Deco Modern Dorothy Thorpe Resin Cat Sphinx Table Sculpture, 1940s Yellow
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Midcentury Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Citrine Gautama Buddha Lotus Sculpture, 1960s

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Dorothy Thorpe Acrylic Bust Sculpture
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Dorothy Thorpe Acrylic Bust Sculpture

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H 9.5 in W 5 in D 5.5 in

Dorothy Thorpe Acrylic Bust Sculpture

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Highland, IN

This lovely cast acrylic sculpture of a woman by Dorothy Thorpe has delicate details and a light, luminous quality.

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Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Spiral Spring Umbrella Stand
Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Spiral Spring Umbrella Stand

Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Spiral Spring Umbrella Stand

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H 21.75 in W 10.75 in D 10.75 in

Dorothy Thorpe Lucite Spiral Spring Umbrella Stand

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Dorothy Thorpe Spiral Spring umbrella Lucite stand. This piece of early Lucite sculptural art features a piece of Lucite spun into a spring shape with a small umbrella holder along t...

Category

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"Female Head in Gold, " Rare Sculpture in a Golden Amber Hue by Dorothy Thorpe
"Female Head in Gold, " Rare Sculpture in a Golden Amber Hue by Dorothy Thorpe

"Female Head in Gold, " Rare Sculpture in a Golden Amber Hue by Dorothy Thorpe

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Translucent and glowing in a lovey shade of golden amber, this sculpture of an elegant woman's head was made by Dorothy Thorpe, one of the most prolific and important women designers in midcentury America. Based in Los Angeles, Thorpe designed sets of glassware...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Large Resin Buddha by Dorothy Thorpe
Large Resin Buddha by Dorothy Thorpe

Large Resin Buddha by Dorothy Thorpe

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H 22.5 in W 14 in D 12 in

Large Resin Buddha by Dorothy Thorpe

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Astoria, NY

A very large Buddha designed by Dorothy Thorpe in green resin. 110486

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

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Mid-Century Two-Piece Dorothy Thorpe Lucite and Nickel Candlestick Holder
Mid-Century Two-Piece Dorothy Thorpe Lucite and Nickel Candlestick Holder

Mid-Century Two-Piece Dorothy Thorpe Lucite and Nickel Candlestick Holder

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Southampton, NJ

A beautiful 1950s Dorothy Thorpe sculptural candlestick holder comprised of two Lucite sculptures that are interwoven in execution and dawning nickel candlestick rests.

Category

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Materials

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"Guanyin, " Superb and Ambitious Mid-Century Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe
"Guanyin, " Superb and Ambitious Mid-Century Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe

"Guanyin, " Superb and Ambitious Mid-Century Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A superb and lovely example of Mid-Century chinoiserie, this large (33") sculpture positively glows, its resin richly colored in tones of amber and mossy jade...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Dorothy Thorpe sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Dorothy Thorpe sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of resin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Dorothy Thorpe sculptures, although orange editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sculptures by Dorothy Thorpe were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sculptures by Witco, Leonardo Nierman, and John Steck. Prices for Dorothy Thorpe sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $795 and can go as high as $2,650, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $875.
Questions About Dorothy Thorpe Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To identify Dorothy Thorpe glassware, look for her signature. It appears on all sandblasted glassware, as well as some other pieces. The signature should consist of a small D and a larger T. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Dorothy Thorpe on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a glass is Dorothy Thorpe, examine the base or interior for the maker's mark. It is a large “D” followed by a small “T.” Many pieces will have the marking sandblasted onto the glass, but others may feature paper labels. Because these paper labels may detach with usage, authentic Dorothy Thorpe glassware can be missing the maker's markings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer aid you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Dorothy Thorpe glasses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    How you clean Dorothy Thorpe glassware varies. For most pieces, experts recommend using a gentle dish soap, warm water and a soft sponge. After washing, be sure to dry the glassware thoroughly with a soft microfiber dishcloth. For pieces trimmed in silver, you can typically utilize silver polish to remove tarnishing. However, check the labels of all cleaning products to ensure that they are safe for use on glassware. Find a selection of Dorothy Thorpe serveware and glass on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    No, not all Dorothy Thorpe glasses are marked. While some of her pieces feature her signature, which consists of a large D followed by a smaller T, many do not. If you're unable to find a marking on a particular glass, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer for assistance with identification. Shop a collection of Dorothy Thorpe glasses on 1stDibs.