The History of Floorcloths

Where did the Floorcloth actually originate and what was it's use? There are many different scenarios as to the origination of the Floorcloth - from 1400's France, to 18th Century England, to the Colonial Days in the United States, using the same material that was used for Sails, and to the Cherokee Indians who made them with woven hemp and natural paints.  They were referred to as Oil Cloths, Sail Cloths, Crumb Cloths, and the current Floorcloths. They were used as Tapestries, Wallhangings, Table Runners and eventually on the Floor. It was an inexpensive alternative to expensive rugs that most could not afford. When introduced in the United States, they were used, in many cases over dirt floors. Their existence lost its popularity in the early 1900's when linoleum was introduced. Today there has been a rebirth of the Floorcloth. Now made with heavy canvas, with the final product resembling a high gloss leather, they are created with a lot more vibrance and creativity than the original. Today the Floorcloth can be of any size and any design - only to be limited by one's own imagination!               (Please use Navigation Bar at the top of each page.)