Leeds Conserves Historic Collection of Antique Fans

350-year-old fan depicting Trojan War scene among treasures

A remarkable collection of antique fans, some dating back over 350 years, is currently being conserved and catalogued by experts at Leeds Discovery Centre. The collection includes a folding hand fan from the 1680s featuring a scene from the Trojan War, illustrating The Judgement of Paris, a pivotal moment in Greek mythology.

Details of the collection

The fan, crafted with sticks carved from antique ivory, depicts the Trojan prince Paris choosing the goddess Aphrodite as the fairest, an event that led to the abduction of Helen and the subsequent Trojan War. This fan is one of more than 400 accessories cared for at Leeds Discovery Centre, with most items dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many fans in the collection feature elaborate designs portraying themes of love from Greek and Roman mythology, colourful birds, and Far Eastern motifs. These fans were once essential fashion accessories for women in high society.

Historical and cultural significance

Natalie Raw, curator of costume at Leeds Museums and Galleries, explained that fans were not only practical for cooling but also played a role in social interaction and flirtation during the 18th century. Women used subtle gestures with their fans to communicate interest at social events, contributing to the idea of a secret fan language.

She added that the fans provide insight into how fashion and social customs have evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes and cultural practices.

Provenance and notable items

• Many fans were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by wealthy individuals such as Lady Gascoigne of Lotherton and Dorothy Una Ratcliffe.
• Two fans bear the name of Sarah Ashton, a female printer from Covent Garden in the late 1700s. One of these is an educational fan featuring botanical classifications, while another contains riddles and was owned by Isabel Kennedy of Leeds.
• By the Georgian period, fans became smaller and less ornate, reflecting simpler fashion trends.

Access and exhibitions

The fans are part of the wider Leeds Museums and Galleries collection and can be viewed during regular store tours at Leeds Discovery Centre. Several examples are also on display at Lotherton as part of the Botanically Beautiful exhibition.

Leeds Discovery Centre operates on a pre-booked tour basis and invites visitors to donate if they wish. Donations can be made online when booking or on-site in cash.

For more information about visiting and the collection, see Leeds Discovery Centre | Leeds Museums and Galleries.