This unique line was originally part of Tropico Pottery which was
located at 2901 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles. Tropico was purchased by Gladding McBean
in 1922 in an effort to expand and diversify in an attempt not to be too dependent on
the construction industry. Up until that time, Gladding McBean was primarily a manufacturer
of clay products such as sewer pipe and roof tiles.
Many of you are familiar with this address as being the 45 acre facility where
Franciscan was manufactured until 1986.
Tropico was well known at that time for the production quality pottery artware and tiles.
This acquisition opened the door for Gladding McBean to expand their operations to the
manufacturing of ceramic tiles, artware pottery and of course dinnerware.
Cocinero is easily recognized by it's distinct design which covers the exterior of
it's pottery. Pieces included pitchers, batter bowls, covered casseroles, mixing bowls,
custard cups, and mugs. Overall, about 20 different items were manufactured in a variety
of colors that can also be found in El Patio and other early dinnerware lines.
The most common of these is turquoise but apple green, white, cobalt (Mexican blue),
flame orange and redwood can also be occasionally found.
It's easy to see why Cocinero is rare, usually high priced and highly
desired by collectors.
Photographed here is a beautiful set of custard cups in various colors and complete
with custard. One of the wonderful things about this line of pottery is it's very
functional as well as beautiful.
This incredible color is tangerine. The Coninero pithcer is paired with an El Patio
style tall tumbler.
More photos of Cocinero pottery will be displayed here in the near future
as they become available.
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