Fans Unfolded: Conserving the Lennox-Boyd collection

Showcasing rare and exquisitely decorated fans from the collection of the Hon. Christopher Lennox-Boyd, allocated to the Museum by H.M. Government in lieu of inheritance tax in 2015, this display reveals the techniques behind the making, investigation and conservation of fans.

The collection of over 600 objects ranges in date from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, and in type from bejewelled and hand-painted court and wedding fans to printed mass-produced advertising fans, aide-memoire fans, mourning fans and children’s fans. A conservation project generously funded by the Marlay Group has allowed us to display a selection of these fragile but extraordinary objects for the first time.

Please note: Stepped access to gallery. Unfortunately no access for wheelchair users. A film of the exhibition is available to view in Gallery 33, and below.