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Fans in the Age of Jane Austen exhibition showcases a variety of fans depicting a range of themes surrounding the 18th century and early 19th century society, many of which were experienced by the celebrated Jane Austen and as seen through her works. A homage to Jane Austen in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth this year! 

Fans on display highlight the significant transformations that took place during her lifetime and offers insights into the domestic life and leisure activities in England. This was a dynamic transitional era marked by expanding material consumerism, technological advancements, war heroes, social events and themes of romance. Jane Austen (16th December 1775 - 18th July 1817) lived through this unprecedented and accelerated transformation that saw Britain’s turbulent entry into the modern age, which impacted not just her life but her work as well. Some of the exhibition highlights include a fan commemorating George III’s recovery, a metal and mother-of-pearl fan depicting domestic life, a 20th century miniature fan marking the 100th anniversary of Napoleon’s death, fan depicting 18th century couples promenading and a brisé fan shaped like a flintlock gun.