Franciscan is a trademark that appears on pottery. Gladding, McBean and Company started in 1875. The company grew and acquired other potteries. It made sewer pipes, floor tiles, dinnerwares, and art pottery with a variety of trademarks. The company made china and cream-colored, decorated earthenware. Desert Rose, Apple, El Patio, and Coronado were best-sellers. In 1936, the name used in advertisements and marks was changed from Franciscan Pottery to Franciscan Ware. The company became Interpace Corporation and in 1979 was purchased by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons. The plant closed in 1984 but production of a few patterns shifted to China and Thailand. For more information, explore our identification guides for Franciscan, California potteries, Wedgwood, and dinnerware patterns and dates.