Swaying in the Wind, a unique exhibition of the fans of the contemporary French fan maker, Frederick Yvan Manuel Gay, opens to the public on Tuesday 6th October 2026 at The Fan Museum in Greenwich. The exhibition will showcase around 100 stunning fans to a British audience for the first time.
One of very few fan makers working in France today, Frederick Gay’s expertise combines traditional technique with contemporary innovation. The fans in ‘Swaying in the Wind‘ will appeal to both our senses and our spirits. Passionately inspired by history and fashion, Frederick’s creative approach reflects our fast-moving modern age while also questioning our response to the world of the past.
Alongside his independent practice, Frederick Gay designs and creates fans for the luxury and couture collections of the Parisian House of Duvelleroy. The fans displayed in the exhibition demonstrate the dynamic and forward-looking principles that have informed Duvelleroy’s vision since it was established in 1827.
Frederick Gay is also a committed teacher, working with students to ensure that the craft of fan making survives. Works by some of his students are shown in the exhibition, as well as those made by a small group who attended a three-day masterclass and workshop organised by The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers early in 2026.
The Fan Museum’s mission is to celebrate the history and artistic brilliance of the craft of fan making, while seeking to promote a lasting future for this important art form through showcasing the work of our finest contemporary practitioners.
