During a recent visit to the Fan Museum in Greenwich, the Queen was presented with a fan that was specially commissioned for her. The fan, featured in her official Coronation portrait, was praised by the Queen as “so beautiful” that she intends to reserve it for special occasions.
Crafted by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, of which Queen Camilla is the patron, the fan was revealed to the Queen for the first time during the museum visit. Artist Paul Benney had included intricate details in the fan design, such as the Queen’s favorite wildflowers, her star constellation, and a monarch butterfly.
Expressing her admiration for the fan, the Queen received it graciously, stating, “Oh that’s really beautiful, that’s lovely, thank you very much.” Mr. Benney shared insights into the fan’s creation process and design elements during the presentation.
The official Coronation fan unveiling took place at the Fan Museum, where the Queen marveled at the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Both the King and the Queen’s Coronation portraits were displayed at the National Gallery last year, receiving praise from the monarchs for the artwork.
As an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, the Queen graced the Monarchy exhibition opening at the Fan Museum, showcasing fans dating back to the 18th century. She also loaned two fans from her private collection for the exhibition, highlighting the historical significance of these artifacts.
The Coronation fan, designed by Mr. Benney and crafted by France’s Master Fan Maker, Frederick Gay, was handed to the Queen by Dinesh Naidu, the Master of the Guild, in the presence of the Duchess of Gloucester. The Queen and the Duchess explored the exhibition, admiring various fans, including one believed to have belonged to Queen Victoria.
The Fan Museum visit was a delightful experience for the Queen, who engaged with museum staff and enthusiasts, expressing her interest in heritage crafts and unique collections. Her involvement in preserving and appreciating fan-making traditions was evident throughout the visit.
The Queen’s passion for historical artifacts and craftsmanship was evident during her visit to the Fan Museum, where she shared insights and anecdotes with those present. Her continued support for cultural heritage and traditional crafts was highlighted during the exhibition tour.
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