Conserving The Fan Museum's Collections

Conserving (as opposed to restoring) fans requires both broad and specialist knowledge. Fans are mostly composite objects incorporating a plethora of materials within their construction – shell, ivory, metal, silk, vellum, paper, feathers, exotic wood and mica to name just a few. They are made using complex techniques often no longer practiced and require delicate handling to ensure safekeeping. Our Director, Curator, and conservator work in partnership to plan and deliver appropriate conservation plans and treatments, seeking only to consolidate/stabilize objects through discreet interventions such as gentle cleaning. At The Fan Museum we use preventative & remedial conservation methods to ensure the longevity and overall ‘health’ of our collections and prefer not to restore objects through practices such as repainting or re-gilding.

Conserving Fans for External Clients

The Fan Museum offers fan conservation services to members of the public, Museums, Galleries and other organisations. Over the past thirty years we’ve successfully conserved fans for numerous clients including the Royal Collection, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and countless private individuals. Our fan conservator brings a wealth of experience and carries out their work to the highest standards using only approved conservation-grade materials and techniques. Should you wish to enquire about the Museum’s conservation services, please email the Curator attaching, where possible, images of all objects requiring treatment.

Please note it is not Museum practice to provide object valuations. Neither should you send by post any items to the Museum without first consulting a member of staff.