Antique fans

27 Aug 2026

The magnificent fans are among more than 400 cared for at Leeds Discovery Centre, where the precious collection is being carefully catalogued and conserved by curators. Mostly dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the fans’ elaborate designs portray scenes of love taken from Greek or Roman mythology, colourful birds or Far Eastern imagery and were once a must-have accompaniment to any lady’s outfit in high society.

Antique fans: The magnificent fans are among more than 400 cared for at Leeds Discovery Centre, where the precious collection is being carefully catalogued and conserved by curators.
Mostly dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the fans’ elaborate designs portray scenes of love taken from Greek or Roman mythology, colourful birds or Far Eastern imagery and were once a must-have accompaniment to any lady’s outfit in high society.

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