Franciscan China, China Replacements, American Made Dinnerware

Replacement China in the discontinued china patterns Made by Franciscan China in California, USA.

Franciscan China 1934 - 1984

Gladding, McBean & Co., began production of Franciscan dinnerware in 1934 at their plant in Glendale, California. Gladding, McBean & Co. formed in 1875 to produce sewer tile for the then expanding American West. Over the years they acquired several regional potteries and expanded their product lines several times to include roof tile, decorative art tiles, garden pottery, and art pottery.

Originally, the dinnerware line was sold as Franciscan Pottery and included solidly colored, bright earthenware in the casual style of Mexican folk pottery.

The American Franciscan factory closed in 1984 following the announcement to relocate all Franciscan production to England. "Johnson Brothers/Franciscan, a member of the Wedgwood Group" markets Franciscan china in the U.S. from production facilities around the world.

The two most popular patterns made by Franciscan China are Desert Rose and Apple. One of the most desirable and difficult to find Franciscan patterns is Wildflower, a handpainted and many colored tribute to the flora of the American West.