fan leaf

I Marchant

Summary

Vellum, painted in gouache with scene of lottery. Framed in semi-circular gilt frame. See note in Chamber's Book of Days 1864 Vol. II p.466 "The fan mount represents the great lottery of 1703 when £1,000,000 was subscribed, or that of 1714. the scene is probably in Mercers Hall, Ironmonger Lane, Cheapside, where lotteries usually took place. A dignified person, in black robes, is presiding: over his head is an escutcheon of St. George's Cross, above are the royal arms, with the initials of Queen Anne. Many officials are in attendance including three clerks curiously accommodated n a fort in front of the presedent (sic). there is a platform with side boxes conveniently arranged for gay gallants and fashionable ladies in the full costume of the period. The tickets are in the course of being drawn in the contemporary engraving, by N. Parr, in 6 compartments entitled "Less Divertissments de la Loterie". It was designed by I Marchant, drawn by H. Gravelot and published by Ryland. The practice of adorning these fashionable appendages with attractive designs, was in great vogue about the middle of the last century."

Display Label

Fans have been carried to public and ceremonial occasions for centuries, and in many different cultures. The Gallery has a collection of over 350 fans, mostly representing fashionable accessories used in Britain, although often made abroad, particularly in China. Some examples are pictured below, dating from the late seventeenth century onwards, showing a range of decorative techniques, including painting, printing and stitching.