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Biblical Fans

24th January - 21st May 2017

InformationAbout this image

The Museum begins the year with a sumptuous display of fans decorated with biblical subjects. Fittingly, the opening segment of the exhibition features folding fans painted with the story of Adam & Eve; juxtaposing an eighteenth century design with the work of a contemporary fan painter illustrates how stories from the bible have fascinated artists throughout history.

The display of over seventy fans touches upon many of the bible’s significant episodes and includes interpretations of the Finding of Moses, Abraham sacrificing Isaac and The Visitation.   Eighteenth century fans feature prominently within the display and show fan painters reinterpreting master paintings and widely circulated engravings by Rubens and others to fit the fan format.  At a time when art reflected social and cultural mores, fans decorated with episodes from the bible encompass spiritualty, enlightenment and other worldly concerns which remain relevant to modern society.


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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

About this Fan

Ivory fan with vellum leaf, painted with Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden (Probably Dutch, c. 1700s)

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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 .