FIESTA, America's favorite dinnerware, was introduced by The Homer Laughlin China Company with great fanfare at the Pittsburgh China & Glass Show in January, 1936. FIESTA was the creation of Frederick Hurten Rhead, a second generation Stoke-on-Trent potter who had become Homer Laughlin's design director in 1927. The collection was an immediate hit with the public and, by it's second year of production, more than one million pieces were produced.
The original five colors were Red, Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Green and Ivory. Turquoise was added early in 1937. The shapes of FIESTA were created in an Art Deco style with concentric circles highlighting the bright colors. The first six colors were produced through the 1930's and 40's until a change in fashion direction dictated a change to a softer palette of pastel colors at the beginning of the 1950's.
Color trends moved back to brighter colors in the early 1960's and FIESTA moved with the trend. By the late 60's earthtones were in vogue and the dinnerware industry turned in that direction. Popularity of these colors proved to be short-lived and sales began to fall. At the end of 1972, FIESTA was retired after 37 years of production.
1986 and the return of Fiestaware
After the Fiesta line was dropped by Homer Laughlin, collectors started gathering the vintage pieces in earnest. Many people had fond childhood memories of the brightly colored china. The retired dinnerware line soon became popular with collectors, especially those who had childhood memories of this brightly colored dinnerware. As years passed, the value of the original FIESTA colors and pieces grew as more people became avid collectors. As Fiesta nostalgia continued to grow, the company's new art director reintroduced this incredible dinnerware in 5 colors: white, black, cobalt blue, apricot, and rose. New York City department store Bloomingdale’s approached the Homer Laughlin China Company and, in 1986, Bloomingdale’s released a new line of blue Fiesta pottery with new shapes and glazes. The relaunch included 24 pieces, including many accessories such as what I have listed. Fiestaware is still produced today. New colors are added to the line and others retired. Available in plenty of bright, vibrant colors and unique shapes, Fiesta dinnerware and serveware features Art Deco-style concentric rings. Made from durable, restaurant-quality ceramic and finished in lead- and cadmium-free glazes, this line of kitchenware is easy to mix and match to create your own custom set. Best of all, each piece is microwave- and oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.