The Fan Museum, which opened in 1991, is the world's first museum dedicated to the preservation and display of hand fans.[1] It is located within two grade II* listed houses that were built in 1721 within the GreenwichWorld Heritage SiteonCroom's Hill in southeast London, England.[2] Along with the museum, there is an orangery decorated with murals, a Japanese-style garden with a fan-shaped parterre, a pond, and a stream.[3]
The museum owns over 6,000 fans and other fan-related cultural materials as of 2023.[4][5][6] The oldest fan in the collection dates from the 11th century and the collection of 18th and 19th-century European fans is extensive.[7] The entire collection is not displayed permanently due to conservation concerns, but there is a permanent educational display which teaches about fan history, manufacturing processes, and the various forms of fan.[7] Exhibits include a fan with a built-in ear trumpet and one with a repair kit built into the design.[1] Fan-making classes are also held at the Fan Museum.[8] The Fan Museum also contains a reference library.[6]
Fans of the Livery: An Exhibition of Fans from the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. London: The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. 2016. ISBN978-1526203717.
Alexander, Hélène (2001). The Fan Museum. Lingfield: The Fan Museum, London in association with Third Millennium Publishing. ISBN0954031911.
Greenwich
