As the European world began to expand, the principle means of trade and travel was the sailing ship. These ships were dependent on canvas (from the word cannabis) and hemp rope - hemp fibre is 3 times stronger than cotton and rot resistant to salt water. Along with the development of canvas for use in sails, in the 1400’s artists used sailcloth for painted canvases, tapestries, wall hangings, table runners and floorcloths. Most paintings prior to the development of the large cotton factories in the early 19th century were on hemp canvas. Canvas floorcloths are one of the earliest forms of water-repellent floor coverings, until the development of linoleum at the turn of the 20th century.

The popularity and value of floorcloths during the 18th and 19th century is evident in the frequent references to floorcloths in wills and the many advertisements displayed in newspapers. As floor coverings were not affordable to the entire population, the investment in a canvas floorcloth was backed with promises of high quality and good workmanship.
Today floorcloths have come full circle. Once again they’re created by individual artists,

blending craftsmanship with the design, materials and production techniques of contemporary society.
 The diversity of designs can range from the traditional hand-painted or stencilled to many other surface decoration including collage, photo transfer, weaving and appliqué. 

The enduring popularity of floorcloths can be attributed to their unique qualities. They can be custom sized, custom designed and custom coloured for each home. Hemp canvas is the original material for floorcloths and is the perfect medium for today. Hemp is naturally resistant to mold, bacteria and pests, it is grown without pesticides, herbicides or agricultural chemicals (except some fertilization) and is receiving the full support of the green movement. As a floor covering it offers a water resistant surface that is easy to clean, is hypo-allergenic and non-toxic.

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