Painted Floor Cloths - Art in a Rug
My love of floor cloths happened when…
I discovered Black Dog Gallery in Yorktown, Virginia, one summer when we were exploring Williamsburg. I was intrigued by their custom-made floor cloths and spent some time talking to owner Ginny Lascara. She owns the gallery with her brother, who is an expert in period framing. Ginny spent 13 years as Associate Curator of Prints and Maps with Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. She uses her museum background in creating historically accurate floor cloths.
A Complex Compass Rose
with marbled diamonds and custom colors. One of many custom-designed floor cloths at Black Dog Gallery.
“At Black Dog Gallery we create traditional and contemporary patterned floor cloths that will stand the test of time.”
The process is extensive
Black Dog Gallery uses a process from the 18th century to create their patterned floor cloths. A floor cloth is a heavy canvas rug that is both decorative and functional. They are perfect for entryways, hallways, and even kitchens.
The process starts with heavy grade pure cotton duck canvas, which is stretch on a wooden frame, and then layer after layer of paint is applied on both sides to make sure the edges don't roll up and the canvas keeps its shape.
Many layers of paint are added
to the canvas before the design even begins to ensure the cloth won’t roll up.
The Design
The next step is the fun part. The gallery has four main design categories: traditional, original, period, and Carwitham (named after an 18th-century engraver). Once you have an idea of a design you would like and the colors you want to use, Ginny will do her magic and develop some options for you. For example, my latest floor cloth is in the entry of my colonial-style house, and I wanted to use blue to play off the extensive collection of blue and white china I have on display. Ginny suggested "marbeling" on the black part of the cloth, which gave it the look of marble, and I love it. It is whimsical, traditional, and functional at the same time. Also, I appreciate that I can clean the floor cloths by using a damp sponge mop, and they look brand new year after year.
An Original Design features a hand-painted crab.
This cloth is a Carwitham design from the 18th century.
Where to find floor cloths
Black Dog Gallery has created hundreds of cloths over the years for both private homes and historical landmarks. Aside from being in Mount Vernon, you can see them in historic houses in Savanah, Charleston, Fredricksburg, Monticello, Montpelier, and Baton Rouge, to name a few. Or, if you happen to be in the Virginia Beach area, stop by Black Dog Gallery in Yorktown to see all they have to offer, including historical prints, period frames, maps, and one-of-a-kind pieces. I have ordered my floor cloths from their website with the help of Ginny, of course.
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