Fiesta Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Exhibit at State Capitol

To commemorate Fiesta dinnerware’s anniversary, the West Virginia Division of Culture and History is hosting a special exhibit at the West Virginia Culture Center at the Capitol complex in Charleston, W.V. The exhibit kicked off in mid-October and will be on display for six months. 

An assortment of plates are featured throughout the exhibit, including a large wall on which “Fiesta” is spelled out in a mosaic pattern using broken pieces of the brand’s newest color, Claret. Other highlights include original pieces from 1936 and a Raspberry bowl that’s valued at thousands of dollars. 

Fiesta is made by The Homer Laughlin China Co., the largest remaining major china manufacturer in the United States. Homer Laughlin was founded in 1871 and is based in Newell, WV. 

Fiesta was designed by noted ceramist Frederick Hurten Rhead. Introduced in 1936, the dinnerware features art deco styling and bold, bright colors — 14 or 15 at any given time. Over the years, 48 complementary colors have been produced. The line was discontinued in 1973 and reissued in 1986 to mark its 50th anniversary. 

In addition to its collectability, consumers have come to rely on Fiesta for its distinctive design and durability. Fiesta is lead free, microwave and dishwasher safe, oven proof, and offers a five-year chip replacement warranty.