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A Bird in the Hand

9 May - 23 September 2018

Fans which incorporate the plumage of birds have a history stretching back thousands of years. The Museum’s earliest fan, at least 1000 years old, is tipped with macaw feathers and is displayed for the first time in several years.

Feather fans were especially fashionable in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries and feature prominently within the display. Colourful ostrich feather fans evoke the glamour and decadence of the 1920s while fans incorporating plumes of game birds hint at Edwardian aristocracy.

The centrepiece of the display is an exquisite early twentieth century jay feather fan on tortoiseshell sticks, generously lent by The Fan Museum’s esteemed patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

To coincide with the exhibition a programme of subject-related lectures include guest speakers from Historic Royal Palaces and the Horniman.

Find more information about the upcoming lectures programme here.


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Museum Admission Pricing

Adults: £5.00
Children (age 7-16): £3.00
Family ticket (up to 2 Adults and up to 3 Children, also 1 Adult and 4 Children): £10.00
Concessions: £3.00
  • Students (with vaild student card)
  • Senior citizens
  • English Heritage
  • Friends of The Horniman
  • Friends of The Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Staff/Volunteers of the National Maritime Museum
Free Entry for…

Children under 7, Disabled visitors and carers, Art Fund Members and London Pass Members

Wednesday Special:

Free entry for senior citizens.

Please note that the discounts listed above cannot be applied when visitors are part of a large group visit or guided tour group.  Please click here for further details.

Group Bookings
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The Museum is now open Tuesday – Saturday, 11h00 – 17h00, last entry at 16h30. 

The Orangery is not a tea room, and is only available for private hire.

For any enquiries please contact us on 0208 305 1441 or by email info@thefanmuseum.org.uk .