How to Care for Antique Fans

Fans combine thin sticks, guards, paper, silk, feathers, paint, metal and delicate pivot fittings.

Safe routine care

Open only as far as it moves freely and support the leaf across its width. Display partly open on a purpose-made mount.

What not to do

Repeated opening causes wear. Do not tape splits, lubricate the rivet or clean painted leaves with water.

Storage and specialist help

Store flat in a fitted box, protecting projecting guards and decorative elements from pressure.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.