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Season 1 Episode 4  •  England

Handmade Fans

A craft that shaped the language of gesture

For centuries, handmade fans have been objects of elegance, fashion and silent communication, carrying meaning through movement, materials and design. Once an essential part of social life and dress, the traditional craft of fan making has become increasingly rare, with fewer skilled makers continuing to practice the techniques behind it.


In this episode, our host explores the history and cultural language of the fan, from museum collections and historic institutions to the workshops where handmade fans are still created. Stepping into the making process, we discover the precision and patience behind this delicate
craft, while contemporary designers and fashion specialists reveal how the fan continues to inspire new ideas about style and identity.


The journey then turns toward the future, exploring how artists and designers are reimagining the fan through new materials and technologies. From traditional handcraft to contemporary design, the episode asks how an object rooted in centuries of history can find new meaning and continue to be part of our lives.

Featured in the Episode
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Support the Craft

Help us document, share and sustain the crafts, knowledge and cultural traditions at risk of being lost. Whether through sponsorship, partnership or donation, your support helps Endangered Crafts reach more people, tell more stories and contribute to the future of living craft traditions.

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