History

Gladding, McBean & Co, Interpace, and Franciscan Ceramics
(1875–1984)

Foundation & Early Growth (1875–1924)

Gladding, McBean & Co. was founded in 1875 in Lincoln, California by Charles Gladding, Peter McGill McBean, and George Chambers, following the discovery of fire clay deposits. The company initially specialized in vitrified sewer pipes, essential for California’s expanding infrastructure.

Key Milestones (1875–1924):

• August 9, 1875: First shipment of vitrified sewer pipe delivered to San Francisco, establishing the company’s reputation.
• 1884: Opened its San Francisco office, highlighting the first terra cotta trim produced on the Pacific Coast.
• 1891–1912: Expanded product offerings to include face brick, roof tile, and enamel brick, adapting to commercial building trends.
• 1924: Incorporated as the Gladding McBean Corporation after the passing of Peter McGill McBean, with Atholl McBean elected President.
• 1925: Gladding McBean Corporation changed its name back to Gladding, McBean & Co.

Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions & Design Innovations (1924–1933)

Major Acquisitions:

Year	Company Acquired	Impact
1923	Tropico Potteries, Inc. (Los Angeles)	Strengthened faience tile and terra cotta production.
1925	Northern Clay Company (Washington)	Expanded handmade architectural terra cotta offerings.
1927	Los Angeles Pressed Brick Co.	Increased roof tile, clay refractories, and face brick output.
1927	Denny Renton Coal & Clay Co.	Enhanced fire brick and paving brick production.
1928	American Firebrick Co.	Strengthened fire brick manufacturing.

Acquisition of Tropico Potteries, Inc.

Tropico Potteries was incorporated in 1921 and was acquired by Gladding, McBean in 1923. After the acquisition, Gladding, McBean continued to produce Tropico branded glazed and decorative tile. The forty-acre pottery, located at 2901 Los Feliz Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, bordered the city of Glendale. The dividing line between Los Angeles and Glendale was the Southern Pacific railroad tracks bordering the Glendale plant’s eastern property line. The plant was named the Glendale Plant since Gladding, McBean was already producing brick and roof tile in their Los Angeles Plant.

Introduction of Key Ceramic Experts:

• Max Compton – Ceramic Engineer from Alfred University, trained under Charles F. Binns, developed innovative glaze techniques.
• Andrew Malinovsky – Created Malinite, a high-talc ceramic body solving crazing issues in early dinnerware production.

The Great Depression & Diversification into Dinnerware (1929–1942)

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 led to severe declines in commercial construction, forcing Gladding, McBean to pivot toward consumer ceramics. With architectural terra cotta, sewer pipes, and bricks seeing diminished demand, the company sought new revenue sources by introducing earthenware tableware and art ware.

To achieve this, Gladding, McBean repurposed their Glendale Plant, the former Tropico Potteries factory, in Los Angeles for earthenware tableware and art ware production in 1933, creating what would become the Franciscan Ware brand.

Key Corporate & Product Expansion Moves

• 1933: Purchased American Encaustic Tiling Co., acquiring Prouty tunnel kilns, which allowed for continuous pottery firing, improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
• 1934: Hired Frederic J. Grant as pottery manager for the Los Angeles Glendale plant, bringing expertise in ceramic engineering and production management. His wife, Mary K. Grant, was brought on as an independent stylist, unofficially as a designer stylist for tableware and art ware officially joining the company in as Lead Stylist & Designer.

Introduction of El Patio & Coronado (1934–1936)

• 1934: Art Ware and El Patio Tableware was introduced as the company’s first solid-color Franciscan Pottery, competing with other California pottery brands, including Catalina, Bauer, Pacific, and Vernon Kilns. The El Patio shape was inspired by streamlined Art Deco aesthetics, offering a broad range of soft pastel and deep jewel-toned glazes.
• 1936: Coronado Tableware and Art Ware was introduced, featuring distinctive swirling, ribbed textures, giving it a sculptural feel.

Gladding, McBean & Co. first used the trade name Franciscan Pottery. Later deciding the word “pottery” denoted an inferior product, the Company changed the trade name to Franciscan Ware.

Technological Advancements & Streamlined Production

Franciscan pottery was manufactured using Malinite, a patented high-talc earthenware body, developed by Dr. Andrew Malinovsky. Malinite solved crazing issues found in competitor dinnerware lines. The acquisition of Prouty tunnel kilns in 1933 allowed for continuous flow firing, eliminating the need for separate bisque firings, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.

The Creation and Expansion of Franciscan Apple, Desert Rose & Franciscan Fine China

The introduction of Franciscan Apple (1940), Franciscan Desert Rose (1941), and Franciscan Fine China (1942) marked a transformational period in Gladding, McBean & Co.’s dinnerware division. These developments pioneered a shift from simple solid-glaze pottery to decorative, hand-painted embossed dinnerware that became American icons.

Franciscan Apple (1940): The First Hand-Painted Embossed Dinnerware

Franciscan Apple was the first embossed hand-painted dinnerware pattern.

Key Design Features:

• Raised relief sculpting of apples and leaves, forming an organic border.
• Hand-painted glaze application, allowing variation in shading and brush strokes.
• Durable earthenware, fired with specialized glaze technology for richness.

The sculpted form was adapted from a previous Weller Pottery Ohio design called “Zona”, which was modified by Mary K. Grant. New shapes were designed for Apple by Mary K. Grant and staff designers.

Early Popularity & Market Impact:

• Apple quickly became a flagship dinnerware pattern, establishing the brand’s embossed hand-painted tradition.
• The pattern was featured in early department store promotions, positioning Franciscan Ware as a premium yet affordable product.

Franciscan Desert Rose (1941): The Pattern That Defined a Brand

Franciscan Desert Rose took the embossed hand-painted concept to the next level with floral motifs.

• Annette Honeywell, a freelance contract designer, conceptualized the rose pattern.
• Mary Jane Winans, a skilled modeler and carver, translated the design into raised relief sculpted shapes.

Key Design Features:

• Embossed roses, buds, and leaves, forming an elegant border.
• Hand-painted layers, creating depth and vibrancy.
• Soft pink floral hues, blending warm tones for a naturalistic effect.
• Green stem detail, later replaced by brown stem detail, offering contrast and a rustic appeal.

Impact on the Dinnerware Market:

• Desert Rose became Franciscan Ware’s best-selling pattern, outpacing all previous designs.
• The dinnerware was marketed as high-end, yet practical for everyday use.
• It quickly became one of America’s most recognizable ceramic patterns, remaining in continuous production.

Franciscan Fine China (1942): The Transition to Luxury Dinnerware)

Franciscan Fine China marked the brand’s transition into fine china production, launching Franciscan Fine China with a completely new approach. Unlike its predecessors, Franciscan Fine China was made from kaolin clay and feldspar

The First Fine China Shapes Introduced (1942):

Max Compton, Chief Ceramic Engineer, developed a unique glaze formula for Franciscan Fine China, ensuring high durability and luxury appeal.

• Merced Shape – Designed by Mary K. Grant, featuring elegant rimmed forms.
• Ovide/Redondo Shape – A more curved silhouette introduced later.

Pattern Expansion & Market Positioning:

• Franciscan Fine China was marketed as a premium product, rivaling Wedgwood and Lenox in the luxury dinnerware segment.
• Featured patterns included Arcadia Blue, Del Monte, Laguna, Fremont, among others.
• The fine china division expanded until the 1970s, with multiple new shapes like Encanto (1948) and Del Rey (1946).

Post-War Expansion (1946–1961)

Growth & Product Innovations:

• 1946–1961: Invested $26–30 million into facility modernization.
• 1958-1959: Franciscan Fine China was renamed Franciscan Masterpiece China in late 1958 and early 1959. All advertising materials, brochures, and product backstamps were updated to reflect the new branding.

1948: Encanto Fine China introduced

The Encanto shape was designed by Mary K. Grant, marking a major milestone in luxury dinnerware development.

• Encanto’s design philosophy: A modern, elegant shape with subtle curves and high-gloss glaze.
• Encanto Fine China variations:
  • Encanto Classic – Offered in solid white with platinum or gold banding.
  • Encanto Nuevo – Featured colored rims fused onto the fine china body.
  • Encanto Decorated Variants – Included Chelan, Canton, Olympic, Palo Alto, Tahoe, and Mesa.
• Encanto featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1951 Good Design Exhibition in New York, securing its legacy in modern dinnerware.

Notable freelance designers contributed to dinnerware patterns:

• Annette Honeywell (Desert Rose, California Poppy)
• Mary Jane Winans (Franciscan Ivy, Apple)
• C.O. Moūness (Lorraine Maroon, Lorraine Green)
• Fridolin Blumer (Mesa, Carmel)
• Margo Findlay (Chelan, Palo Alto)

1954: The Modern Americana Initiative

Gladding, McBean launched the Modern Americana collection, a design initiative aimed at modernizing Franciscan Ware to reflect mid-century aesthetics. Two new shapes were designed: Flair by Mary Jane Winans and Eclipse by George T. James. The Metropolitan shape was repurposed for the pattern Trio, designed by Esta James, wife of George T. James. The initiative was from 1954 to 1955, and after 1955, all patterns were integrated into the general dinnerware lines sold by the company.

Patterns Introduced for Modern Americana:

Shape	Pattern Name	Designer
Eclipse	Starburst	Mary Chalmers Brown
Eclipse	Eclipse White
Eclipse	Pomegranate	Mary Chalmers Brown
Flair	Echo	Mary Chalmers Brown
Flair	Flair White
Flair	Woodlore	The Millers
Metropolitan	Trio	Esta James

1955: Contours Fine China Art Ware

Gladding, McBean introduced Contours Fine China Art Ware, designed by George T. James, featuring sleek, modern silhouettes. Although Contours did not appeal to the mainstream market, it marked a significant departure from traditional pottery designs.

Contours Design Features:

• Produced in single or duotone glazes.
• Offered with abstract modern decals.
• More sculptural and artistic than traditional dinnerware.
• Franciscan Contours bud vases were chosen for the Pasadena Art Museum’s California Design Exhibition (1956).

Corporate Evolution: Expansion, Mergers & Diversification (1962–1984)

Gladding, McBean & Co. underwent major transformations beginning in 1962, when it merged with Lock Joint Pipe Co. to form International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation. International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation changed its corporate name to Interpace on September 27, 1962. The name “Interpace” was derived from “International Pipe and Ceramics. This shift propelled the company beyond California-based ceramics manufacturing, integrating industrial pipe, technical ceramics, and dinnerware divisions into a national and global business strategy.

INTERPACE & Strategic Expansion (1962–1970)

Following the INTERPACE merger, the company expanded both its manufacturing footprint and product offerings:

• 1963: Introduced Hacienda dinnerware, designed by George James, featuring patterns such as Fruit, Tulip Time, Sierra Sand, and Snow Crest.
• 1968: Acquired Shenango China Inc., Mayer China Inc., Wallace China, and Castleton China, strengthening restaurant ware and commercial ceramics production.
• 1969: Acquired Tiffin Glass Co., introducing Franciscan Masterpiece Crystal and Franciscan Casual Crystal as complementary products to fine china and tableware.
• 1969: Established manufacturing operations in England, acquiring Myott & Alfred Meakin, expanding Franciscan-brand dinnerware into European markets.

Innovation in Dinnerware: Madeira & Discovery (1967–1973)

• 1967: Introduced the Franciscan Madeira shape, designed by Rupert Deese, with the Madeira pattern created by Jerry Rothman. Madeira became one of the best-selling Franciscan patterns, lasting until 1984.
• 1973: Launched Discovery dinnerware, formerly known as Family China, designed by George James, featuring innovative surface treatments, including wax-resist decals and hand-applied dots. Key patterns included Emerald Isle (Helen Richter Watson), Tahiti, Terra Cotta, and Topaz.
• 1973: Discovery patterns Terra Cotta and Tahiti were featured at the Pasadena Art Museum’s California Design Nine Exhibition, highlighting Franciscan’s contribution to modern ceramic design.

Corporate Reorganization, Sales & Transition (1974–1984)

• 1974: Acquired Alfred Meakin pottery in England, merging operations with Myott to strengthen European market presence.
• 1975: Introduced Franciscan Stainless Flatware, manufactured by Amefa Holland, featuring Tallahassee (Mary Jane Winans) and Pebble Beach (Rupert Deese).
• 1976: Sold Myott & Meakin operations, refocusing on Franciscan embossed hand-painted patterns.
• 1977: Introduced October and Meadow Rose, continuing Franciscan’s signature style in dinnerware.
• 1977: Sold Gladding, McBean’s Lincoln plant to Pacific Coast Building Products, marking a transition away from ceramic building materials and focusing solely on dinnerware and technical ceramics.
• 1979: INTERPACE sold Franciscan Ceramics Inc. to Wedgwood Ltd.

Closure of U.S. Operations & Legacy (1980–1984)

• 1983: Final production year for most Franciscan dinnerware lines produced in the US.
• August 1984: Los Angeles Franciscan Ceramics factory closed, ending U.S.-based production of Franciscan ceramics.
• 1984-1995: Franciscan dinnerware production moved to Wedgwood’s Johnson Brothers facility in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The iconic Apple and Desert Rose patterns continued. Over the years, various patterns were introduced and discontinued, including Tulip (1986), Peachtree (1991), and Orchard Glade (1995).
• 2004: Production of Apple and Desert Rose moved to China in 2004.
• 2009: Waterford Wedgwood, including the Franciscan brand, was placed into receivership and sold to KPS Capital Partners.
• 2011-2013: Apple and Desert Rose discontinued, Apple in 2011 and Desert Rose in 2013, marking the end of Franciscan ware.
• 2015: Fiskars acquired the holdings, though the Franciscan brand has remained inactive since 2022.

Legacy & Industry Impact

Gladding, McBean & Co.—later Franciscan Ceramics—played a key role in shaping California’s ceramics industry, pioneering dinnerware innovation, architectural terra cotta, and technical ceramics.

Timelines

• History of Franciscan Ceramics Timeline
• Franciscan Products Timeline – list of art ware and dinnerware patterns by date of introduction

Films and videos

• Films, videos, and image compilations