A painted fan. [Photo/The Fan Museum]

In 1709, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers was incorporated in London under the Royal Charter of Queen Anne. Its aim was to help expand the local fan business – paper styles were developed and many artists painted on them, creating a plethora of artworks.

At around the same time, artisans in France were making fans using imported Chinese bamboo sticks, ostrich feathers, parchment, silk and lace, mounted on ivory or cane and mother-of-pearl. Paris soon became the center of the fan craft and led the craze among European royalty.