Business Details
34 Years
experience
Custom Handcrafted Floorcloths for Historic and Modern Homes
Black Dog Gallery has dedicated over three decades to perfecting the art of handcrafted, custom-painted floorcloths. Our expertise in eighteenth-century decorative arts, combined with meticulous craftsmanship, has earned us an international reputation. We specialize in creating historically accurate and contemporary floorcloths that adorn some of the nation's most prestigious historic sites, including Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. Our process begins with the heaviest grade of pure cotton duck canvas, primed and painted using techniques rooted in 18th-century traditions. Each piece is finished with high-quality, non-yellowing acrylic polyurethane and hand-buffed to a satin luster, ensuring durability and timeless beauty.With a legacy built on artistic integrity and attention to detail, we provide solutions for both private residences and historic preservation projects. Our team's deep understanding of period design, honed through decades of work in museums and restoration, ensures every floorcloth meets exacting standards. We pride ourselves on blending historical authenticity with modern functionality, creating pieces that withstand the test of time. Our commitment to quality and client satisfaction has solidified our position as a trusted name in custom floorcoverings. Whether enhancing a colonial interior or a contemporary space, we deliver unique, handcrafted works of art tailored to our clients' needs.
Services
Traditional Floorcloths
Contemporary Floorcloths
Original Designs
Carwitham Reproductions
Historic Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in historic and contemporary floorcloth design.
- Our process replicates 18th-century techniques for authentic, durable results.
- Our work is featured in prestigious historic sites like Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg.
- We use premium materials including non-yellowing acrylic polyurethane and pure cotton duck canvas.
- Our team includes specialists with museum-level knowledge of period decorative arts.
Services
Traditional Floorcloths
Our traditional floorcloths replicate 18th-century designs using authentic techniques. Each piece is hand-painted on heavy cotton canvas and sealed with non-yellowing polyurethane. Ideal for historic homes and period-accurate interiors, these floorcloths combine decorative appeal with practical durability.
Contemporary Floorcloths
Contemporary floorcloths feature bold, original patterns tailored to modern aesthetics. Crafted with the same rigorous standards as historic designs, these pieces offer vibrant, long-lasting floorcoverings for current living spaces while maintaining artisanal quality.
Carwitham Reproductions
Carwitham reproductions recreate 1739-era floorcloth designs with meticulous accuracy. Based on historical records, these pieces use geometric motifs and traditional color palettes to provide authentic period decoration for restoration projects and heritage sites.
People
Randy Hess
Owner
Randy Hess is an accomplished professional artist with over a decade of experience at Black Dog Gallery. He now leads the floorcloth business, maintaining its legacy of quality and innovation while introducing fresh artistic perspectives to traditional techniques.
Virginia Lascara
Design Consultant
Virginia Lascara, co-founder of Black Dog Gallery, brings 13 years of curatorial experience from Colonial Williamsburg. Her expertise in 18th-century design ensures historical accuracy in every floorcloth, blending museum-level knowledge with practical craftsmanship.
Questions
What materials do you use for your floorcloths?
We use heavy cotton duck canvas primed with multiple paint coats and sealed with non-yellowing acrylic polyurethane for durability.
Can I request custom designs?
Yes, we create bespoke floorcloths tailored to your space's dimensions and aesthetic preferences using traditional and contemporary patterns.
How do you maintain historical accuracy?
Our team applies museum-level knowledge of 18th-century decorative arts and uses period-verified techniques for authentic results.
Are your floorcloths suitable for high-traffic areas?
Yes, our floorcloths are designed to withstand heavy use while maintaining their appearance in both residential and commercial settings.
