The Fan Museum in London is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers a glimpse into the history and art of fans. Located in Greenwich, the museum is housed in two beautifully restored Georgian townhouses, which provide a perfect setting for the exquisite collection of over 5,000 fans from around the world.
The museum was founded in 1991 by Helene Alexander MBE, a renowned expert on fans, who had been collecting them since the 1960s. Her passion for fans led her to create the Fan Museum, which has since become a popular destination for tourists, as well as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars.
The museum’s collection includes fans from the 11th century to the present day, and features examples from every continent. Visitors can see delicate Chinese folding fans, ornate Spanish flamenco fans, and even fans made from ostrich feathers. Each fan is a work of art in its own right, and many are decorated with intricate designs, paintings, and even jewels.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Fan Gallery, which houses a collection of fans from the 18th and 19th centuries. This period is considered the golden age of fan-making, and the gallery features some of the finest examples of hand-painted and embroidered fans from this era. Visitors can also see the museum’s collection of mourning fans, which were used in Victorian times to express grief and mourning.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Fan Museum also hosts regular exhibitions that showcase different aspects of the art of fan-making. Recent exhibitions have included “Fans of the Belle Epoque”, which explored the role of fans in French society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and “The Art of Japanese Fans”, which featured a stunning collection of Japanese folding fans.
The museum also offers a range of educational programs and workshops, which are designed to introduce visitors to the history and culture of fans. These include fan-making workshops, talks on the history of fans, and tours of the museum’s collections.
Overall, the Fan Museum in London is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art and history of fans. Its extensive collection, beautiful setting, and educational programs make it a valuable resource for both casual visitors and serious scholars alike.
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