I rehoused a large collection of mixed material fans similar to what you
have.  Some storage choices have variations. Opening fans prevents them
from having to be handled as much and i properly housed can be safe, but
it takes much more time and could be more vulnerable to damage as well.
We opened the ones that could be opened and took digital pictures and
catalogued them, but then stored them folded because of time and severe
space concerns.

There are some images here of the mounts I did:
http://www.clotheslinejournal.com/images_work.htm

I have learned some improvments since then that I would do now that
would make these more attractive as well as better supports.

Flat fans could be stored as you see, but with cubes of ethafoam and a
bigger tray you can stack them in a box as well.

Folded fans can be stored in a box with custom or pre-made dividers,
with tissue you can adjust them so they wont slide open (but dont squish
them either).

Floppy ones can be genly held folded with twill tape.

CCI notes have images of how to carve ethafoam to properly support open
fans. it is a fan shape with sort of steps.

any cut ethafoam supports should have a soft layer of tyvek, volara or
(more inexpensive) high density polypropolene between the object and the
ethafoam, unless you want the object all scratched up. volara can be
glue gunned, the others will stay in place if you tuck it in slits on
the sides of the ethafoam.

If you want some more details, e-mail e directly, I have more pictures.

Elizabeth Walton
www.clotheslinejournal.co,m



Rachel M. Foster wrote:

>
> Our institution recently acquired a collection of both folding and
> flat fans.  Some of these date back to the 1800's and are very
> fragile.  The fans are made from various materials, including mother
> of pearl, celluloid, feathers, paper, and silk.  I was wondering the
> best way to store these fans.  Some of the paper fans are very fragile
> and I am afraid they will tear further if they are unfolded.  However,
> the silk and other fabric fans are in good condition and can stand to
> be opened.  Also, the feathered fans are in various conditions ranging
> from good to poor.  On the fans in poor condition some of the feathers
> are missing and broken.  One of the fans is held together with florist
> wire.  If there are any suggestions on how this collection could be
> better cared for, they would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
> Rachel Foster
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