There’s something undeniably magical about the way Luke Edward Hall brings ancient myths to life. The British artist and designer, known for his enchanting blend of nostalgia, folklore, and contemporary charm, has once again joined forces with Italian porcelain masters Ginori 1735 for a sophomore collection that feels like stepping into a sun-drenched Mediterranean fable.

Titled Il Viaggio di Nettuno—A New Chapter, the series continues the saga of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, reimagined through Hall’s signature dreamlike lens. Winged horses gallop across plates, octopuses spiral in playful frenzy, and Neptune himself presides over the waves—all rendered in a soft, sun-bleached palette of butter yellow, sky blue, and peach. It’s a collection that doesn’t just decorate a table; it invites you into a story.

A Modern Spin on Ancient Myths

Hall’s love for Greco-Roman mythology isn’t merely aesthetic—it’s deeply personal. “There’s something so timeless about these stories,” he says. “They’re dramatic, romantic, and full of life, which makes them endlessly inspiring.” His approach, however, is anything but academic. Instead of stiff classical figures, his Neptune is lively, almost mischievous, surrounded by a cast of creatures that feel plucked from an illuminated manuscript or a vintage storybook.

The color palette is key to the collection’s contemporary appeal. Rather than the deep blues and golds typically associated with oceanic deities, Hall opts for muted, earthy tones—like the faded hues of a fresco exposed to centuries of sun. “I wanted it to feel warm and approachable,” he explains. “Mythology shouldn’t be intimidating. It should be something you live with every day.”

The Art of Storytelling on Porcelain

Each piece in the collection functions as a tiny canvas, with illustrations that flow seamlessly from plate to teacup to serving dish. A winged Pegasus might take off from a soup bowl, only to land mid-gallop on a dessert plate. A school of fish darts around a teacup’s rim, while Neptune’s trident appears subtly etched into a butter dish. The effect is cohesive yet never repetitive—a narrative unfolding across an entire table setting.

This isn’t Hall’s first collaboration with Ginori 1735 (their initial Neptune-themed collection debuted in 2022), but it’s perhaps his most refined. The craftsmanship of the Italian atelier elevates his illustrations, with delicate brushstrokes and fine detailing that make each motif feel alive. “Porcelain is such a beautiful medium for storytelling,” Hall says. “There’s a tactility to it—you eat from these pieces, you hold them. The myth becomes part of your daily ritual.”

Why We’re Still Enchanted by Mythology

In an era of minimalist tableware and sleek, impersonal design, Hall’s work stands out precisely because it embraces whimsy and wonder. His Neptune isn’t just a god; he’s a character, one who might wink at you from the rim of your coffee cup. And in a world that often feels devoid of magic, that kind of playful storytelling feels more necessary than ever.

“People are craving connection—to history, to nature, to something bigger than themselves,” Hall muses. “Mythology gives us that. It’s a way to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.”

How to Live With (and Love) the Collection

For those eager to bring a touch of Hall’s mythic charm into their homes, the key is mixing and matching. The collection is designed to layer effortlessly with existing tableware—imagine a Neptune-emblazoned salad plate beside a simple linen tablecloth, or a teacup with a tiny octopus peeking out from a shelf of more serious ceramics.

Hall himself suggests using the pieces in unexpected ways: “Why not display a plate on the wall? Or use a bowl as a trinket dish? These aren’t just functional objects; they’re little works of art.”

The Takeaway

With Il Viaggio di Nettuno—A New Chapter, Luke Edward Hall proves once again that the best design doesn’t just serve a purpose—it sparks joy, curiosity, and maybe even a bit of daydreaming. Whether you’re a die-hard mythology buff or simply someone who appreciates beauty with a story, this collection is a reminder that even the most everyday moments can feel epic.

After all, who wouldn’t want to sip their morning coffee from a cup touched by the god of the sea?