During an event at the Fan Museum in Greenwich, south east London, the Queen was presented with a fan that was specially commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, of which she is the patron. The fan, featured in her official Coronation portrait, impressed her with its beauty, prompting her to express that she would reserve it for special occasions.
Artist Paul Benney, who painted the fan with intricate details including the Queen’s favorite wild flowers and her star constellation, presented the fan to her. The Queen admired the craftsmanship, mentioning that she would cherish it for special moments.
The Coronation fan unveiling took place at the Fan Museum, where the Queen expressed her delight, calling the fan “beautiful” and extending her gratitude. She also took the opportunity to visit the Monarchy exhibition at the museum, showcasing fans dating back to the 18th century to the present day.
Notably, the Queen, who is an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, contributed two fans from her private collection to the exhibition. She interacted with guests, including charity trustees and members of the Fan Makers Company, expressing her joy at revisiting the museum and participating in the exhibition.
The Coronation fan, designed by artist Paul Benney and crafted by France’s Master Fan Maker, Frederick Gay, was presented to the Queen by the Master of the Guild, Dinesh Naidu. The Duchess of Gloucester, also a Liveryman of the Fan Makers Company, was in attendance during the presentation.
In a separate interaction, the Queen and the Duchess explored the exhibition, admiring historical fans, including one believed to have belonged to Queen Victoria. Their conversation included a mention of material suitable for fans in Samoa, showcasing the depth of their interest in historical artifacts.
The Queen, known for her interest in heritage crafts, engaged with a documentary maker at the museum, discussing the importance of preserving such traditional crafts. She shared her enthusiasm for the museum and expressed her happiness at being able to visit again.
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