The Duchess of Cornwall visits the museum
The Duchess of Cornwall viewed an exhibition of military-themed fans during a visit to The Fan Museum in Greenwich, south-east London.
Her Royal Highness, who was visiting in her capacity as the museum’s patron, was shown a prototype of a guardsman fan which forms part of “Fans: War and Peace”, an exhibition of around 170 fans from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries.
The display – made possible through the Entente Cordiale, which exists between The Fan Museum and Le Cercle de l’éventail – encompasses a history of the world seen through objects too long regarded as frivolous accessories to dress. As such it presents many rare, fascinating and resonant items whose design, imagery and provenance will provide visitors with important new insights into the depiction of warfare throughout the ages.
After touring the exhibition, The Duchess was given the opportunity to handle a number of items, including an 18th century (circa 1727-1728) English fan showing Alexander the Great and the family of Darius. Her Royal Highness afterwards attended a reception for guests including lenders, trustees, friends and supporters of the Fan Museum and civic dignitaries.
Hélène Alexander MBE, Museum Director and Curator, said:
“It’s been a most memorable evening for The Fan Museum and for all of us working here and a great honour that The Duchess of Cornwall has taken so much interest in our current exhibition”.
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Upcoming Events
Fan Making Workshops at Greenwich Market
Saturday 21st March 2020
Join us at the Greenwich Market for a Fan Making Workshop.
We’re hosting three special discounted Fan Making Workshops at the Greenwich Market on Saturday 21st March.
The fan making classes will last 45 minutes. During the class you will create one folding fan.
Please note this event is only suitable for ages 12+.
Selling Fans in Eighteenth Century London
Wednesday 25 March 2020, 19.00-20.00hrs
An illustrated lecture by Cambridge University’s Dr Amy Louise Erikson, who recently curated a marvellous outdoor exhibition entitled City Women in the 18th Century.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 28th March 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 25th April 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 23rd May 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
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