continued. . . 

Pickard was up to the challenge of recreating Thompson-Frenk’s elaborate designs. “We were very excited to be selected to manufacture the Archangel Collection,” says Andy Morgan, president, Pickard. “This is a beautiful and eclectic group of patterns that has been produced to our exacting quality standards, 100% U.S.-made and -manufactured, and dishwasher-safe.” Morgan, in fact, helped with more than production. The tableware neophytes were dependent upon his tutelage in myriad areas including reps, marketing, and trade shows. “Andy has been a real mentor,” says Thompson-Frenk. “He’s gone above and beyond walking us through the industry.”

Although the Archangel designs can stand alone, the stories behind the patterns must be known to romance the sale. “All the years the ancient Jews lived in the desert they had a lot of beautiful practices,” Thompson-Frenk tells. “They drew the symbols of the magic seals in the sand to connect to different archangels. So, for instance, if a man wanted to woo a woman, he would connect with the archangel Anael who deals with love.” The five patterns range from $270 to $290. “I personally like the simplicity of Anael and the intricacy of Michael,” Thompson-Frenk says.

Thus far, the seals of five archangels have been reimagined on dinnerware; later this year the remaining two – Raphael and Gabriel – will debut. “All of these symbols go back to our oldest ritual, starting with the day the first caveman sat down to split a piece of meat with another caveman,” Thompson-Frenk says. “Eating is an innate part of our culture. When we go on a date, we go out to eat. When someone is sick, you feed them. This ritual is so important to me which is why dinnerware has become just as important.”

Following on the heels of dinnerware was Tea for One, $375. “This was such a fun and chic item to create,” Thompson-Frenk enthuses. “I love tea and thought there’d be other people who don’t necessarily want something old and stodgy. You’ve never seen anything like this.” The perfect gift for the fashion-conscious gourmand, the wood box with faux ostrich front, brass accents, and satin interior is available in each of the Archangel designs.

Thompson-Frenk’s expectations for the dinnerware are huge and as such hopes it will be a stepping stone into other areas of the home including furniture and lighting. But before that happens, Thompson Fine Arts will launch glassware and flatware in our market, perhaps by early next year. “This year,” she adds, “we’re really paying attention to the dinnerware.”

She’s paying attention because dinnerware sales help fuel her philanthropic endeavors. True there is an inheritance, but Thompson-Frenk is not keen on grabbing a ride on someone else’s coattails. And peddling dinnerware is Thompson-Frenk’s way of remaining independent while using her monetary legacy to help others, much like her father did. “I’m not blind to the fact that everything I have is because of my dad,” Thompson-Frenk observes. “I’m not interested in being seen as a spoiled rich kid. My goal is for my dinnerware to provide my necessities so I can use my inheritance to help other people. To me every plate sold is money to help others.” And that makes Thompson-Frenk an angel here on earth.