Artist Cameron Howard is passionate about the history and beauty of American floor cloths. Here she's showing us samples, photos and floor cloths that she's made for customers all over New England and beyond. We love passionate people!Dunberry Hill Designs
Vermont's premier custom floor cloth maker, Cameron Howard of Dunberry Hill Designs visited Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture store yesterday. Wow! We learned a lot about the history of this unique piece of Americana and the processes by which these top quality floor cloths are made. Plus we got to see, feel and walk on some extraordinary works of art. Did you know that floor cloths first became popular during the Industrial Revolution when sailing ships were coming into New England's harbors to be re-fitted? Torn sails would be salvaged by sailors' wives and re-purposed in the home to keep drafts from blowing through floors and walls. Soon artists began to see the cloths as a canvas and began applying classic American and European designs to them.
Top Quality Custom Floor Cloths
Today's floor cloths adorn all types of homes, businesses and museums throughout America. The floor coverings are made of heavy weight cotton covered with 5 coats of a special varnish which makes them extremely durable. Artistic designs include historical early American motifs, geometric patterns, French Country style, arts and crafts, mission style and modern designs. Custom designs are a favorite among Cameron's customers. The artist works with homeowners to make sure floor cloth colors match or accentuate existing decor (such as wall colors, counter tops, fabrics and art work).
Cameron's paint samples are sent back and forth to customers to ensure that just the right colors are achieved.How To Commission Your Own Unique Floor Cloth
Cameron Howard's Dunberry Hill Design studio is in Townshend, Vermont. Customers are encouraged to call or email Cameron prior to stopping by. We hope to be getting some floor cloth samples at our furniture and home decor store soon and will keep you posted here on our blog.
About the Artist, Cameron Howard
Cameron Howard is a professional chef who served up her talents to upscale restaurants in New York, Boston, Maine and the Windham Hill Inn in Vermont. Ten years ago she put the culinary pot on the back burner and turned her passion towards weaving. From there, she segued into decorative painting and the world of traditionally handcrafted floorcloths. We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm for Cameron's work with you at Stonehurst, our home design gallery in Southeastern Vermont.
