Fan-tastic collection up for auction
A collection of unusual antique fans assembled over many years is to be sold at Chilcott Auctioneers’ next sale.
The fans belonged to Jane Campbell-Allan, originally from Stirlingshire but who lived in Devon for most of her life until her death in 2017.
Jane was known as an eccentric lady with a wicked sense of humour who enjoyed collecting antiques, especially jewellery. But it was fans that caught her imagination. Her interest is believed to have started after an elderly aunt gave her an antique fan when she was young.
Jane became a passionate collector of fans, starting her collection in 1958. She was also a longstanding and active member of the International Fan Circle.
Auctioneer, Duncan Chilcott said: “Over the past 60 years this lady built up a fascinating assortment of fans representing a wide variety of countries and fashion trends.
“We think she was deliberately trying to buy examples of each type of fan to make as comprehensive a collection as possible.”
The collection includes examples from the late 18th century right up to the present day. Highlights are a 19th century finely carved and pierced Chinese ivory fan, estimated at £200-300 and a Cantonese ‘Mandarin’ painted fan with a detailed colourful leaf, estimated at £100-150.
There are also several Brussels lace fans including examples with inset hand-painted panels, and some made by famous makers such as Duvelleroy Paris, who had a shop in Regent Street and whose fans were sold in beautiful fitted boxes. Other fans feature art deco with orange yellow ostrich feathers, tribal styles, sequined pieces and silk, with some still in their original boxes.
Fans first appeared over 3,000 years ago and over the millennia have been used for a multitude of purposes including cooling, concealment and purely as a fashion accessory. The collection includes a number of faceguards from the late 18th century used by ladies who didn’t want the warmth of a fire to melt their wax make up.
Although some of Jane’s most precious fans were stolen in a burglary, this collection of over 50 pieces contains a good number of beautiful and intricate examples that will be of interest to other collectors.
They have been split into 13 lots, and the total estimated value of the collection is £1300-1600.
The collection will be sold at Chilcotts’ sale on Saturday, September 8 at the Silver Street sale room close to Honiton Community College. Viewing is on Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm, Friday 9:30am to 7pm and on Sale Day from 8:30am. The sale starts at 10:30am. Viewing and live online bidding will also be available via the-saleroom.com
Visit Chilcotts website for more information.
