Introducing Barkcloth: Uganda’s Hidden Gem
What is Barkcloth?
Barkcloth is a naturally derived material, from the inner bark of the Mutuba Tree, native to Uganda. It is processed sustainably, preserving the life of the tree, and without additives or chemicals in its raw form.
It has a rich history, having been used for over 600 years to make clothing, furnishings and even artwork, therefore earning a spot on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Though it has been used traditionally for generations, it’s virtually unknown outside of Uganda. We want to change that by bringing it to a new generation of creatives!
For The Artist
For The Artist
Endiro Studios’ Barkcloth is an alternative to traditional artist cotton canvas, suitable painting, dyeing and mixed-media practices. It can be worked unmounted, to create visually compelling compositions due to its natural imperfections.
Acrylic on Barkcloth by Fred Mutebi
Natural variations occur in colour between barkcloth sheets, due to tree subspecies, time of harvest and even weather.
Endiro Studios supplies barkcloth in sheets ranging from A1-A4, and custom dimensions between.
Close up of typical barkcloth texture, resulting from the creation process. Imperfections differ from tree to tree making each piece unique.
Larger imperfections are sewn up to prevent propagation. These are left on upon finishing and act as a distinguisher between sheets.
Barkcloth can be primed with Gesso to make an excellent canvas for acrylic and oil paintings, With it's natural texture still present.
Endiro Studios offers samples of barkcloth for you to see first hand. Now available through our shop.
Best Sellers
Natural Barkcloth canvas sheet for artistic purposes.
Dimensions: 42x59.5cm (16.5x23.5inch) approx.
Usage & Mounting:
Given its natural origins, barkcloth fibres can degrade and soften with time, distorting compositions. Therefore, we strongly recommend priming your canvas with gesso primer prior to usage with oils and acrylics. We advise at least three coats on the painted surface and at least one coat on the reverse side
Barkcloth from Endiro Studios comes unmounted. However, it can be mounted either before or after usage. Be mindful to not overstretch the canvas as this can further propagate imperfections.
Note: Product images shown are simply representative. Variations in texture, tone and detail of the pieces occur due to the natural irregular nature of the material.
Barkcloth has naturally occurring flaws — the process of producing it can result in small holes which appear on the canvas, as well as slight variations in colour. No two sheets are the same, and we think it’s these imperfections that make barkcloth even more special.
Natural Barkcloth canvas sheet for artistic purposes.
Dimensions: 30×42cm (11.5×16.5inch) approx.
Usage & Mounting:
Given its natural origins, barkcloth fibres can degrade and soften with time, distorting compositions. Therefore, we strongly recommend priming your canvas with gesso primer prior to usage with oils and acrylics. We advise at least three coats on the painted surface and at least one coat on the reverse side
Barkcloth from Endiro Studios comes unmounted. However, it can be mounted either before or after usage. Be mindful to not overstretch the canvas as this can further propagate imperfections.
Note: Product images shown are simply representative. Variations in texture, tone and detail of the pieces occur due to the natural irregular nature of the material.
Barkcloth has naturally occurring flaws — the process of producing it can result in small holes which appear on the canvas, as well as slight variations in colour. No two sheets are the same, and we think it’s these imperfections that make barkcloth even more special.