The Hall China Company’s designs seen here show Thorley’s ability to create in the modern taste. The short stubby spouts and handles are integral to the body of the pieces, which differentiate these designs from the age-old conventions Thorley learned in Staffordshire. His curvaceous pieces here competed with the work of more famous avant-garde designers including Russel Wright and Eva Zeisel. Likewise, bold new colors like these reds and yellows were becoming popular with Americans seeking a new look. Several years earlier, the Homer Laughlin Company in neighboring West Virginia introduced the brightly-colored and wildly successful Fiesta line of tablewares.

In 1995, Hall reissued Thorley’s innovative shape with a contemporary decal design.