Fan leaf
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1877-1878
This object is a fan leaf (mount) executed in Honiton bobbin lace. It forms an arc designed for a folding fan, measuring 50 cm in length and 13 cm in width. The lace pattern is rendered in white and presents an intricate naturalistic composition across a fine mesh ground, finished along the outer rim with a scalloped border.
The surface decoration depicts foliage, flowers, blackberries, and butterflies intertwined throughout the design. The leaf was designed and produced by Miss Emma Radford in Honiton, Devon, England, between 1877 and 1878.
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.
Historical context
Naturalistic design was characteristic of English bobbin lace crafted in Honiton and the surrounding Devon region during the 1860s and subsequent years. This fan leaf was entered into a design competition held by the Fan Makers' Company in 1878, where it was awarded Second Prize in Class I, Section II. It was acquired new by the Museum following the competition for 10 guineas (£10.50). The pricking for this lace pattern is preserved in the collection of Exeter Museum.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bobbin lace
- Dimensions
- Length: 50 cm; Width: 13 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Radford, Emma (Miss)
- Place recorded
- Honiton
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Fan leaf
- Museum object number
- 319-1878
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.