Conserving a Delicate 18th-Century Fan

Using specialist conservation techniques (plus plenty of patience and a porcupine quill!) Susan addresses the structural integrity of the fan – reinforcing the back and creating a hinge to allow it to open and close once again. She also re-adheres fiddly loose sequins, stabilises areas of wear, and subtly retouches the design using watercolour paint. 

Steps

• 00:00 Unboxing and opening the fan (ASMR, no talking)
• 00:28 18th-century fan condition
• 01:46 Ethically correct conservation 
• 02:14 Re-adhering the sequins
• 02:45 History of fans in 18th century
• 03:36 Hand-stitching
• 03:55 Re-sticking the silver foil with porcupine quill
• 05:19 Adhering lifted areas
• 05:54 Snipping and glueing silk organza
• 07:34 Watercolour retouching
• 07:51 Painting (ASMR)
• 08:36 Reinforcing the back and creating a hinge
• 11:02 Brushing on glue and using tools (ASMR, no talking)
• 12:14 Applying weights
• 12:48 Checking the repair (ASMR, paper peeling)
• 13:22 Glueing the hinge (ASMR, no talking)
• 14:36 Etiquette and communication with fans
• 15:05 Opening the fan (crinkly ASMR, no talking)
• 15:24 Reveal of the conserved fan