Luke Edward Hall’s passion for Greco-Roman mythology and natural storytelling talent have earned him a devoted following. For his second collaboration with Ginori 1735 (launching today), the English artist brings his signature folkloric charm to continue the story of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. In Il Viaggio di Nettuno—A New Chapter, Neptune and his mythical companions—winged horses and lively octopuses—dance across porcelain tableware in soft shades of butter yellow, sky blue, and peach.

The collection picks up where the first left off, keeping Neptune as the central figure. Hall explains that the new direction focuses on style and color: “This time, I wanted my drawings to feel more graphic and monochromatic, playing with a different palette,” he tells Vogue. While the first collection featured bold, vibrant colors, this one embraces earthy tones.

“I mixed terracotta and forest green with soft, dusty shades like butter yellow, sky blue, and peach,” he says. Since everything stems from his hand-drawn sketches, the lines and borders are intentionally imperfect—or as Hall describes them, “a little wonky.” “The backgrounds are based on watercolor paintings, so they’re patchy. I love that—I love imperfections. I wanted to recreate a hand-painted feel in a printed product.”

For inspiration, Hall looked to Greek and Roman pottery at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, particularly their motifs and borders, as well as the work of the Bloomsbury Group—the influential circle of early 20th-century British artists and writers. “I’ve long admired their ceramics, especially those by Duncan Grant and Quentin Bell,” he says. “Their boldness and mark-making inspired me to bring a similar energy to this collection. The Bloomsbury world is a constant source of inspiration.”

A decade after founding his studio, Hall has become something of a mythmaker himself. “As a child, I was drawn to fantasy worlds—Greco-Roman myths, English folklore, Arthurian legends,” he explains. “They offered a magical escape. Growing up gay, I also connected deeply with queer stories from classical mythology, which I explored further in my 2023 book, 300,000 Kisses: Tales of Queer Love from the Ancient World.“

When designing Neptune’s world on porcelain plates, mugs, and storage boxes, Hall was inspired by ancient mosaics and frescoes. “I love imagining him traveling the seabed, meeting the characters in this collection, then returning to his palace—a glowing underwater grotto.”

Over the years, Hall has worked with brands like Burberry, Rubelli, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Yet returning to Ginori—the nearly 300-year-old Italian luxury brand known for its exquisite handcrafted porcelain—was an easy choice. “Ginori is extraordinary, with a rich heritage, a history of artist collaborations, and an incredible workshop at its heart,” he says.

While painting and drawing on canvas and paper remain his foundation…For the artist, creating functional pieces is a true passion. “I really enjoy working with porcelain and Ginori because the items we create are meant to be used,” he says. “I love designing practical objects that people can pick up and enjoy every day. Cooking—and eating in general—brings me joy, so working with tableware feels natural.” The collection includes tableware, tea and coffee cups, and gift items like mugs, tumblers, and storage boxes, all infused with the dreamy essence of a Mediterranean afternoon.

When asked how he’ll use these porcelain pieces this summer, Hall describes his plans for West Penwith in Cornwall, where he recently bought a house. “I’ll be there with my husband Duncan, our whippets, and a group of friends,” he says. “We’ll be in a cove, carrying baskets filled with plates, bowls, platters, and food to cook. A friend will set up a barbecue—maybe we’ll grill a whole fish or scallops, along with fresh vegetables from a nearby farm. We’ll bring beers, rum, and limes. After a quick swim in the sea, we’ll settle on the rocks to eat and drink with Il Viaggio di Nettuno… And to finish, we’ll pour a cup of rum over the rocks as a toast to Neptune in his watery depths!” Sounds like the perfect plan.