Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Franciscan Starburst Atomic Earthenware History

In China and Dinnerware > Franciscan Dinnerware > Show & Tell and Pottery > California Pottery > Show & Tell.
Recent activity64976 of 237900Red Wing Bob White pattern serving dish--childhood faveclan crusader another of my "toys"
7
Love it
0
Like it

CeeceeCeecee loves this.
themusethemuse loves this.
auraaura loves this.
racer4fourracer4four loves this.
TassieDevilTassieDevil loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
artfootartfoot loves this.
See 5 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 8 years ago

    JewelryQuest
    (1 item)

    Fascinating insight about The History Of Franciscan Starburst.

    Starburst is a line of dinnerware produced by Franciscan Ware, which was a part of the organization called Gladding, McBean, & Co., founded in 1875.

    Franciscan Ware Before Starburst

    Originally concerned with manufacturing building products made of clay, like roof tiles, sewer pipes, and bricks, Gladding, McBean & Co. chose California, and specifically Placer County, as their plant location so they could take advantage of the natural deposits of clay there. The business took off and by the mid 1920's, they were the largest manufacturer of clay products in the USA.

    In 1934, they expanded production and created Franciscan Ware, a pottery and tableware line.

    Creation Of Franciscan Pottery

    Advancement in the industry was made possible by a special mixing and firing technique Gladding, McBean & Co. had developed and continued to perfect as they produced their dinnerware lines. They called their clay formula "Malinite." As they explained in a 1942 catalogue:

    Both Franciscan Tableware and Catalina Art Pottery are made from the material called "Malinite," which was developed by the chemists of Gladding, McBean & Co., and which is covered by a number of U.S. and foreign patents.

    "Malinite" is the most important technical achievement in the pottery industry in the past century. Instead of wares being made from clay, the basic material of Malinite is rock, the same material from which "talcum powder" is produced. Combined with the talc is an amorphous flux which, in the heat of the kiln, binds together the molecules of talc so that an extremely tough and durable body is formed, highly resistant to thermal shock and free from internal flaws.

    The most important feature of Malinite is the fact that glazes become so fused with the body that they cannot craze. Another glaze feature lies in the brilliant palette of colors and matte textures that can be produced.

    Basically, Gladding, McBean & Co. had discovered a way to make pottery less porous, so that it would last longer and resist cracking. It was of a better quality and had a built-in sales incentive.

    Introduction of Franciscan's Starburst Line

    And this brings us to the creation of the Starburst pattern in the mid-50's. With the prosperity that came after the war, consumers were ready for something new. The futuristic Atomic starry design on Franciscan Starburst fit in well with a new chrome kitchen and advanced appliances.

    Introduced in 1954, Starburst is a smooth, decal-pattern Atomic design, as opposed to a raised, hand-painted one. The pattern was designed by George James. Miller's Collectibles states that the Starburst pattern was only produced from 1954-1957.

    In 1962, Gladding, McBean & Co. sold the Franciscan Ware plant and production operation to the Lock Joint Pipe Company, who then formed the International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation, or Interpace, in 1968. Interpace combined production of Franciscan shapes with other ceramic manufacturers they had bought. Then, in 1979, Interpace sold Franciscan Ware to Wedgewood. The California plant was shut down in 1984, and production was moved to England. Now, the remaining Franciscan patterns still in production are sold under the Johnson Brothers name.

    logo
    Franciscan Dinnerware
    See all
    Franciscan Crown 7 Decade Rosary Wood Beads Chain Rosary Saint Benedict Cross
    Franciscan Crown 7 Decade Rosary Wo...
    $49
    NEW! Franciscan Starburst Inspired Table Runner 72
    NEW! Franciscan Starburst Inspired ...
    $24
    Set Of 4 Franciscan Starburst Vintage Coffee Cups MCM Atomic Retro USA
    Set Of 4 Franciscan Starburst Vinta...
    $41
    Franciscan Desert Rose Ashtray Rose Shape
    Franciscan Desert Rose Ashtray Rose...
    $15
    logo
    Franciscan Crown 7 Decade Rosary Wood Beads Chain Rosary Saint Benedict Cross
    Franciscan Crown 7 Decade Rosary Wo...
    $49
    See all

    Comments

    1. SABrown, 5 years ago
      The Starburst pattern was designed by Mary C. L. Brown, the dish design was
      done by George James. Mary Brown was my aunt and we have documentation
      from Franciscan enumerating designs by Mary Brown among which is Starburst.
      Please correct this entry.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.