Many people are puzzled by the word “Floorcloth”. Although you won’t find the term in the dictionary, floorcloths have been around for more than 200 years. A floorcloth was a common term suggesting a carpet substitute, painted canvas, or painted carpet.
A painted floorcloth was made of heavy canvas that had been stretched and sized, then troweled with oil paint and finished with block printing, stenciling, or hand painting.
A brief history of “Floorcloths”
The manufacturing of floorcloths was a large and thriving industry in late 18th Century England, regulated by a society
of floorcloth manufacturers. The society held monthly meetings to discuss the price of pigments, linseed oil, canvas, and often cautioned each other about the risk of hiring dishonest workmen.
In America, floorcloths were initially imported from England, which resulted in higher prices and lengthy delivery schedules. Shipping the floorcloths by boat, often during damp, winter weather could also mean that the merchandise arrived in poor condition. As the market for domestic goods in the new colonies increased, so did the number of house painters willing to paint floorcloths in direct competition with the English versions.
Newspaper ads frequently appeared offering notice of a new local establishment with skilled painters and the latest floorcloth designs.
Floorcloth Patterns
Floorcloth patterns were numerous. Many of the early designs were taken from wallpaper patterns, pavement patterns, or woven carpets. They were appreciated for their versatility, function, and ease of care.
Floor coverings were not affordable to most people, which made them a treasured household item, often prominently featured in the family portrait.
A highly valued floorcloth was frequently listed in household inventories and personal wills, complete with the original purchase price. As magazines began to write about and provide instructions on how to make a floorcloth, women began to make their own floorcloths, often stretching the canvas on the side of the barn.
A painted floorcloth was made of heavy canvas that had been stretched and sized, then troweled with oil paint and finished with block printing, stenciling, or hand painting.
Floorcloth patterns were numerous. Many of the early designs were taken from wallpaper patterns, pavement patterns, or woven carpets. They were appreciated for their versatility, function, and ease of care.
Floor coverings were not affordable to most people, which made them a treasured household item, often prominently featured in the family portrait.