Homer Laughlin China Company, who manufactured the infamous “Fiesta ware” line, began as a partnership between the two Laughlin brothers, Homer and Shakespeare, in 1873. The company sold primarily Rockingham and yellow ware then later expanded their market to make semi-vitreous dinner, hotel, and toilet wares as well as white granite products. After the Great Depression the market for inexpensive dinner wares increased, and the “Fiesta ware” line was available for purchase in 1936. Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead, an English potter from Staffordshire, “Fiesta ware” became highly popular for their bright colors, streamlined design, and mix-and-match capabilities for the everyday household. The tumblars, such as this one, can only be found in the first six colors of "Fiesta ware" only. They were put into production with the other original shapes, and discontinued in 1946.
Location:
Currently not on view
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morrison in Memory of Charles and Bessie K. Morrison