One of Thorleys most popular historical reproductions was the jardiniere or flower brick, a form originally made to display cut flowers. Williamsburg’s Craft Advisory Committee only chose one historic pattern to sell, even though Thorley developed many for consideration. As the decoration was easy to work on the flat square sides, Thorley continued to make a wide array of flower bricks in later years. He sold a them in his studio and in regional gift shops. Over fifty of his watercolor sketches for flower brick designs like these survive.

 

 

Assorted Flower Bricks and Watercolor Designs, 1946-70
Earthenware
Lent by the Collins Collection, the Swem Library, and John C. Austin