Franciscan Ceramics porcelain thimble
Name/Title
Franciscan Ceramics porcelain thimbleEntry/Object ID
2021.1.186Description
Porcelain floral thimble, part of the Franklin Mint "Thimbles of the World’s Greatest Porcelain Houses" series. Retailer description: "The lovely high-spirited floral motif of the Franciscan thimble was inspired by the hand-painted sculptured designs, introduced by the company in the early 1940s, which are now known as Franciscan Classics. The corporation which is now Franciscan Ceramics, Inc. was first organized in 1875 when deposits of fireclay were discovered near the foothill town of Lincoln, California. The first products consisted of hollow tile, face brick and roofing tile, and decorative faience and floor tile were added to the product line with the acquisition of two other companies, one of which occupied the site of the present Franciscan plant in Glendale. A distinguished group of artists and technicians joined the staff, and the manufacture of dinnerware began in 1934. The first Franciscan earthenware, produced in plain shapes with brightly colored glazes, is now eagerly sought after by collectors. The Apple pattern of 1940 was followed a year later by Desert Rose. Desert Rose is the largest-selling pattern in the history of American dinnerware. Franciscan’s first fine china was made in 1942. Translucent, vitreous and light ivory in color, it is widely admitted not only for its high quality but for the imaginative decorating techniques used in its manufacture. Now a subsidiary of Wedgewood Limited of England, Franciscan Ceramics has executed many distinguished commissions, including those for American Presidents, The United States Senate, King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, and the king and queen of Denmark."Collection
Marianne Kerr Thimble CollectionCategory
Tools