Nate writes:
Hi, We just bought an old house, and under a carpet in one of the bedrooms was a “something” — I am not sure what its real name is… It is 6 feet by 8 or 9 feet, and is a fantastic picture / mural. Looks like it is on masonite or some other fiber type board. The “rug” is not attached at all — we can pick it up and move it. It is not gummy at all, seems like just fiberboard, maybe 1/8 of an inch thick. The house was built back around 1900 as a schoolhouse, then sold, dismantled, moved and rebuilt maybe around 1935. The family we bought it from had it since the mid 50’s… I would like to … see if anyone knows anything about it. Thanks!
Nate, it’s hard to say what this is made out of — there are a number of possibilities. I recommend that you have it looked at by experts to (1) identify and value it, (2) discuss how to preserve it, and most importantly — (3) to ensure you know what materials it may be made of so that you can make informed issues about environmental and safety issues. In an old house, you want to check every surface for vintage nastiness such as lead and asbestos, for example. Update: Jane Powell in her book “Linoleum” says that while linoleum is known today for its use of renewable resources (cork, linseed oil, namely), heavy metals such as lead may have been used in the manufacturer of old linoleum. So — Precautionary Pam repeats: Get with your own properly licensed professional to determine what’s in this , so that you can make informed decisions about how to handle. Be Safe / Renovate Safe.
That said, here are some possibilities that I am aware of:
1. Impregnated and enameled felt: I have a 1954 catalog for Armstrong flooring, and it is mostly all tile and sheet. But, at the back, in a very small section, they they still feature several rugs like this, with the “Quaker Floor Covering” brand attached. In their description, they say the rugs (two shown here) are made of felt impregnated with a waterproofing and strengthening saturant. It then has sealants on the top and bottom, a leveling coat, then is painted with the design and baked. (“Impregnated… saturant… paint” = code words for get it tested to know what you have.)
2. Linoleum: While my catalog shows a kind of felt-painted-rug, bona-fide linoleum rugs also were produced… and it could be that you have one of those. Here is a link to Secondhand Rose and their discussion of linoleum rugs and the process with which they were made. By the way, I am pretty sure these are wicked expensive and then some. So much so that the price is not even mentioned, and they forewarn you of the difficulty to install. Read: Brittle. The linoleum or linoleum-style rug that I once saw at an estate sale was flexible, but very brittle. In fact, I could not buy it because it was clear that it would bust into pieces if it were not kept absolutely flat.
3. Other: You say your rug feels like it is on a piece of masonite or something stronger and less flexible than linoleum, so it could well be that you have something else. (Most of my focus is on post-war decor, whereas these types of rugs, I believe, were more popular in the early 20th century.)
One thing is pretty clear to me, Nate: I bet your your rug is quite rare and valuable. Novelty and juvenile designs like this are always very collectible. And even with the condition issues, your rug has tremendous charm. Perhaps it belongs in a museum. Good luck, and many thanks for sharing.
Lisa Mair says
Historic New England has a similar piece in its archives. It has planes, trains and buses on it and it measures more than 6′ X 9′. It is currently in production to be reproduced here at Canvasworks (http://www.canvasworksfloorcloths.com). When it is reproduced it will be done on heavyweight canvas, using very flexible, environmentally friendly paints and sealers and will be totally functional as a floor covering.
Lara Jane says
Two-thumbs up, Pam! Thankfully, all my flooring is hardwood or ceramic! I will definitely keep that in mind when house-hunting (and, one day, restoring!).
Happy Daze says
That is way cool, and to think that it was hiding under the carpet all of those years just makes it that much cooler.
My dad once told me that when he was growing up, his cousins had a rug in their room that had outlines for games printed on it (checkers, backgammon, hopscotch, etc). I never really understood what he was talking about, but it must have been a linoleum rug similar to this one.
Jeff says
Nate, what a superb find!
I have some expertise in this area, since antiques and art are a specialty- my opinion based on only the photograph, is that this is not as old as the schoolhouse, and most likely dates to the period of the Second World War, especially if it’s on masonite.
It’s condition is too good, first of all, and the imagery is indicative of the period.
The best news is that if you are planning any future renovations and need extra funds to accomplish it, you have it in this wonderful piece.
I would seriously get it appraised by a competent dealer in American folk art. The quality of the work, assuming it’s entirely hand done is superb, and could be quite valuable.
Get if off the floor for now, if you can, if not, then cover it in a non-abrasive canvas cloth, and keep furniture and people off of it until it can be safely moved.
Congratulations!
dede says
wow! this is really cool! i true treasure find!
pam kueber says
Bo – Thank you for the name. I will put it on my list to do a bona-fide post spotlighting the Grace Wood floorcloths.
Arcalus Bo says
The great floorcloth source Pam mentioned in Portland is Gracewood Design: http://www.gracewooddesign.com/
Custom work is a specialty.
Ever had a kitchen linoleum that is too cool to trash but too worn or damaged to save? A heart-wrenching decision. Custom floor cloths can be an interesting way to preserve the memory of an original floor treatment in a remodel – with a practical size made to fit in the new space and the colors and pattern tweaked to suit the new decor or updated tastes. Passing on the linoleum’s DNA in a way…
52postnbeam says
I’m wondering if it’s not made from a printed fabric? The top and bottom rows within the body of the rug are identical series of vignettes. If it were an original design / mural, it would be nearly impossible to replicate the detailed scenarios, but not for a print (think children’s Star Wars sheets or the like). The owner would be able to see with a closer look, if it’s hand painted or printed. The illustrations seem to be from the Howdy-Doody era. What a great surprise to find in a house!
Retro Junkie says
My husband sends a warning that these many of these floorcloths contain asbestos in them. So don’t disturb the edges too much. It is a beautiful floorcloth!
Mark says
I hope you’re not walking on that!
I would hang it up on a wall, maybe in a hallway or someplace like that.
Wonder why they laid carpet on top of it?