Books on Franciscan Ceramics and Gladding, McBean
There is a wealth of information about Franciscan and Gladding, McBean & Co. in print. Here are books highly recommended for the Franciscan and Gladding, McBean collector.
Franciscan Ware Eclipse
Duet, Eclipse White, Oasis, Pomegranate, and Starburst
James F. Elliot-Bishop
New Release April 2021
In 1954, the Los Angeles Franciscan Ceramics division of Gladding, McBean & Company introduced their Modern Americana line of dinnerware which included the Eclipse shape patterns Starburst, Eclipse White and Pomegranate. Starburst on the Eclipse shape, designed by George T. James with the pattern design by Mary Chalmers Brown, has become one of the most collectible vintage 20th mid-century dinnerware patterns. In 1955, the pattern Oasis was introduced, followed by Duet in 1956. The author includes a history of the Eclipse shape & patterns, all items manufactured in each pattern, pattern brochures, back-stamp marks, and other products made in the Eclipse patterns including tile & linens. This book is a complete reference for the collector of Starburst, Pomegranate, Oasis, Eclipse White, and Duet.
EBook and paperback available from Amazon
Franciscan, Catalina, and Other Gladding, McBean Wares
James F. Elliot-Bishop
The early terracotta, garden wares, tiles, Franciscan line, and Catalina art ware produced by the prolific Gladding, McBean and Company from the late 1800s to 1942 are covered and beautifully displayed in this fascinating book. The Franciscan pottery table and art ware line was one of the most successful product lines produced by California’s Gladding, McBean and Company. Among the tableware included are their most popular patterns, including El Patio, Coronado, Metropolitan, Apple, and Desert Rose. Also featured are the colorful wares made after the firm acquired the Catalina Island Pottery in 1937. The history of Gladding, McBean covers its establishment in Lincoln, California, in 1873 to its closure in 1984. 2004 Values included. This is a wonderful guide book for everyone who loves twentieth century pottery.
Available on Amazon and Schiffer Publishing
Franciscan Hand-Decorated Embossed Dinnerware
James F. Elliot-Bishop
California-based Gladding, McBean & Co. began producing Franciscan dinnerware in the 1930s. Their introduction of Franciscan Apple in 1940 heralded a new product line featuring heavily sculpted, embossed dinnerware hand-decorated in brilliant colors. Desert Rose, introduced a year later, became the top selling dinnerware pattern in the world. Many additional patterns were produced through 1984, when the Franciscan plant in Glendale, California was closed. This comprehensive guide focuses solely on Franciscan hand-decorated embossed dinnerware manufactured in the United States and includes Apple, Desert Rose (and its three variations), Wild Flowers, Ivy, Fruit, California Poppy, October, Forget-Me-Not, Strawberry Fair, Strawberry Time, Fresh Fruit, Bountiful, Rosette, and Bouquet. Over 430 color photos illustrate these highly collectible pieces while the captions provide values, sizes, and other information for each pattern. An extensive company history and detailed shape listings are included. This is the complete reference for collectors of Franciscan hand-painted embossed dinnerware.
Available on Amazon and Schiffer Publishing
Common Ground: Ceramics in Southern California 1945-1975
Includes “The Studio Years” on Interpace Franciscan Ceramics from 1962 to 1975″ essay chapter by James Elliot-Bishop.
Available from The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)
El Patio Table Ware
James Elliot-Bishop with photographs by Bob Miller
Second Edition 2021. El Patio Table Ware is the first comprehensive book on Franciscan’s El Patio dinnerware for collectors. From the 1930s, El Patio was one of the first patterns produced by the Gladding, McBean Company of Los Angeles. El Patio was in production for twenty years. The line includes a vast array of shapes and colors. This book will enlighten the collector as to the time periods different shapes were manufactured. Also the book contains information on the glaze colors El Patio was produced. A collector can now assemble their collection to represent a certain time period. All information was collected from Franciscan Ceramics Archives and represents the most current knowledge available. This information is not available in any other book published.
Available in softcover and hardcover from Blurb, an Apple eBook, or downloadable PDF.
Franciscan – An American Dinnerware Tradition
Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen
Features a unique look into the history of Franciscan dinnerware, with full-color digitally captured images of more than 400 patterns. Thorough detail on Franciscan favorites such as Apple, Desert Rose, and Ivy. Comprehensive sections on Handpainted, Earthenware, and Fine China dinnerware, including a brief history with interesting information about each pattern. Includes segments on Franciscan Crystal, Flatware, Collectibles and Giftware. Hardbound, 272 pages, Includes price guide.
Available from Replacements LTD
Architectural Terra Cotta of Gladding, McBean
Gary F. Kurutz
Published by Windgate Press, Sausalito, CA, 1989 Hardcover. Out-of-print.
Covers the history, terms and production of terracotta in the Lincoln plant. Includes buildings constructed with terracotta in California.
Purchase used on Amazon