|
This unusual museum is housed
in two Georgian town-houses, and opened in 1989, one of only
two museums of hand-held fans in the world, the other being
in Paris.
The earliest remains of a fan
was found in the tomb of Tutankamun, complete with ostrich
feathers. By the 18th century fans were a fashion accessory,
and so popular that Queen Ann authorised the formation of
the Worshipful Company of Fanmakers in 1709.
This museum owes its existence
to Helene Alexander, whose collection of 2,000 fans from the
17th century onwards has been enlarged by donations.
The museum has a garden to the
rear of the museum which is planted in Japanese style with
pond, stream and curving bridge.
The ground floor has a permanent
exhibition illustrating the history and craft of fan making.
On the next floor exhibits are displayed by theme, such as
provenance, design or social history.
Only part of the collection of
3,000 fans, dating from the 11th century, is on show at one
time, and exhibitions are changed so that the range, covering
embroidery, carving, and miniature painting, can be highlighted.
Highlights include a Fabergé
'point de gaze' lace fan, surrounded by rose diamonds, fan
leaves decorated and signed by Gaugin, 1887, and the Millennium
Fan, designed especially for the museum.
Admission charge
|
the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
London
