Historical Designs

Since floorcloths were used by early settlers of this country, many of the designs used today reflect on that history. Many itinerant painters used stencil, stamp and freehand painting techniques to create intricate patterns for the floor. At Canvasworks traditional stamp and stencil designs are used and new patterns are created based on some of the historical designs.

Medfield Stencil: A stencil design from a painted floor in Medfield, Mass. House built 1795.

Cooperstown Stencil: This design comes from a painted floor at the Bump Tavern at the Framer’s Museum in Cooperstown, NY.

Tumbling Blocks: One of the older floorcloth designs on record, from London engraver, John Carwitham’s, book of designs published in 1739.
This design is shown in a primitive portrait, "Girl with Dog",(left) painted around 1800 and currently displayed at Williamsburg's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The design has a three-dimensional quality and the marbling gives a very traditional feel. It's great for an entry or formal dining room.

Mariner’s Compass:Since many designs were painted on worn sails from ships, they often incorporated nautical themes such as this compass.

Click on a picture below to see details about the design.

Cooperstown Stencil	Stars and Checks	Tumbling Blocks	Flower Tile
Medfield Stencil	Bordered Diamonds	Carwitham	Classic Medallion
Diaper Ornament	Traditional Mariner's Compass	Stars and Diamonds	Blocks and Scrolls

"'Tis unnecessary to say one word about the convenience to families of these cloths; they have become an almost indispensable article in the list of domestic paraphernalia."

"These carpets possess a decided advantage over all others, as they are more durable, and in warm weather much more comfortable, and easier to keep clean, and in hot climates the only kind that are not subject to injury from insects; in winter they may be covered with other carpeting without damage, and the room is kept warmer ..."

Floorcloth Design Galleries
Geometrics	Stamped and Stenciled	Custom Designs

326 Henry Gould Rd
Perkinsville, VT 05151

802•263•5410

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