Posted on 27. Jul, 2011 by admin in News
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Decorative fan from the Household Calvary Museum
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Typical damage
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A highly decorative folding fan
FAN CARE – YUKI BURT – 2011
A GUIDE TO GOOD HANDLING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY
Yuki Burt has been working with Plowden and Smith as a freelance organics conservator since 1990. We are lucky to have developed a long lasting relationship with such a skilled conservator with a unique knowledge of fans.
Yuki has recently written and independently published this useful booklet on the care of fans and we are pleased to support her in the promotion of this.
Fans are incredibly complex objects with often-incompatible materials, which can include textiles, bone, ivory, wood, precious stones, feathers and metals. Yuki’s in-depth understanding of these types of objects has enabled her to confidently breakdown the components of care necessary to ensure the longevity of the fan.
This booklet has a practical approach as Yuki recognises that not everyone wants to lock up his or her treasured possessions in a showcase or storage box. Some people want to use and enjoy them. Through Yuki’s practical words of wisdom she has ensured damage can be minimized through careful use and handling – so if required you can take out your precious fan for a fabulous evening. However, it must be stressed that poor handling of fans is a major damage contributor.
Yuki talks us through terminology of the fan types, including; folding fans, brisé fans, fixed fans.
- Folding Fans – weakest when open
- Brisé Fans – weakest component is ribbon or thread, which hold sticks together
- Fixed Fans – taught textile/paper over a frame vulnerable to splitting with changes in humidity.
This book is aimed at owners of fans, collectors and curators who do not have the support of a conservator. It is clearly written with no jargon.
Yuki is a specialist organics conservator who has been in practice since the 1980′s. She has worked on hundreds of fans from museums and private collections across Europe and the UK. She also has experience in training and textile related courses. One of her projects can be found on one of our Collections Management and Training pages.
More information on this booklet can be found at Yuki’s website, through the Fan Museum or through Plowden & Smith Limited.
Tags: care of collections, collections management, packing, textiles, training
