Fanning the Past

Fans are beautifully crafted objects which transcend class and culture, offering an insight into the social history of communities across the world. From aristocrats to townspeople, suffragettes to scholars, entertainers to explorers – the fans reflect a diverse and dynamic hinterland shaped by trade, education, and curiosity. Though donor records are often sparse, every fan holds a story. This engaging talk, given by Cairns Mason and Catherine Smith, will explore the remarkable collection cared for by Culture Perth and Kinross.

Cairns Mason and Catherine Smith are enthusiasts, collectors and authors of numerous articles on fans. Since 2018, they have been members of Fan Circle International, a charity which encourages collection, preservation, research into and education about fans. Over the winter of 2024/25, with the support of Culture Perth and Kinross, Cairns and Catherine examined, photographed and enhanced catalogue data on all fans held within Culture Perth and Kinross’ collections and followed this up by undertaking further research on some of the pieces.

Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the start time.