Fan, Ostrich feather, Great Britain, mid 20th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 20th century
Ostrich feather fan used on stage by Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989). Beatrice Lillie acted in London and New York, in a wide range of drama, but it was her appearances in revue and cabaret that earned her the title, 'the funniest woman in the world'. She was famous for comic songs and monologues, made all the funnier by her delivery and the way she would raise an eyebrow or twitch her nose.
The ostrich feather fan is a good example of a glamorous stage property which could be used for comic effect. Ostrich feather fan, the white feathers coloured lilac, with imitation mid brown tortoiseshell sticks.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Ostrich feathers and plastic
- Dimensions
- Length: 45.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Great Britain
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O1465807
- Museum object name
- Fan
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- S.326-1979
- Museum system number
- O1465807
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.