Antique Fan Conservation and Restoration

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Fan Conservation

Both fashion accessories and luxury objects, fans are among the most complex works to restore. Their technical, artistic and historical characteristics require specialist knowledge.

Restoration must:

– preserve their qualities as articulated or multi-part objects by maintaining the flexibility of their leaves;
– ensure that restoration materials are compatible with every component of these composite works;
– keep interventions discreet through precise chromatic retouching;
– control the impact of treatment on both sides to prevent any transfer from one side of the leaf to the other.

The fans reflect their periods and countries of origin. The manufacturing techniques reflect these historical particularities. Because there is no such thing as two identical fans, Yolaine documents everything before undertaking a restoration. The levels of intervention proposed are just as varied.

In the 18th century, France supplied the whole world with fans thanks to its highest creativity and know-how. The most remarkable fans designed at that time involved up to 30 different craftsmen (jeweller, embroiderer, gilder, miniaturist, lace-maker, etc.).

Little by little forgotten, the fan is now attracting renewed interest from contemporary designers.

In recognition of its exceptional richness, the art of fan-making has been included in France’s intangible cultural heritage.

Yolaine Voltz’s distinctive expertise: comprehensive fan conservation.

Drawing on her experience and specialist training, Yolaine has broadened the scope of her expertise. She restores fan leaves in paper, skin or fabric, as well as sticks and guards, using skills transmitted by her master fan maker, Sylvain Le Guen.