| It is generally believed painted canvases originated in France, in the
1400s, in the form of tapestries, wall hangings, and table runners. When the English and
Americans adopted the art form, they extended its use to rolled canvases as floor
coverings. For a hundred years, oylcloths -- as they were known in England -- and
floorcloths -- as they were known in America -- were hugely popular. However, the use of
floorcloths all but disappeared once linoleum, which was far more durable and less costly
than floorcloths, became available. In the 1950s, floorcloths enjoyed a resurgence when
decorators, in attempting to be authentic in restoration, encouraged artisans to create
handmade crafts, including floorcloths. Today, many decorators have broken with
conservative colonial American motifs and patterns, and now emphasize bolder colors and
abstract forms. As a result, floorcloths as area rugs are the hottest item in home
decorating for the millenium. |
