The purpose of this exhibition is to show the use of lace within the framework of the fan, and to display some of the most exquisite fans – mainly of the 19th century - made in this precious material. It is timed to coincide with the International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organization (OIDFA) Congress Tour (19-23 August 2002) in Nottingham.

Some of the Haute Couture houses have recently been inspired by the fashion of 19th century Europe with its laces, frills and chiffon, which worked perfectly in contrast to a more austere silhouette. Also over the last twenty years there has been a revival in the art of lace making and up and down the United Kingdom enthusiastic groups of lacemakers meet to work together. “Lace Days” are a feature in many towns and villages, and fans have often been the ultimate goal of a gifted lacemaker. However it has often escaped their notice that the art of the stickmaker is crucial, and that a fan leaf should only be made if a set of sticks and guards (a monture) is there already to determine the shape of the fan-leaf.

It is therefore useful for any aspiring lacemaker to look at the incredible variety of lace fans which exist and which The Fan Museum is pleased to display in this exhibition.

Breathtakingly fine work has often been mounted onto costly montures of tortoiseshell (blond being the most expensive), mother of pearl (perhaps the best suited to lace) and ivory. The extensive use of these products of endangered species (now proscribed) makes these fans even more of a rarity in an age where synthetic material, plastics and metals have taken over.

It is not only to the lace enthusiast that this exhibition appeals. Anyone with a romantic outlook will immediately step into a bygone age, wonder at the freshness of such lovely and seemingly fragile objects, and possibly be inspired by the type of fans, which could now be created mixing lace and contemporary materials.