Sisterhood of the traveling fans

What began as a celebration of women’s changing roles since the beginning of World War I a century ago, evolved over the months into an impressive exhibition designed to raise awareness of serious women’s issues including body image, education, health, and domestic violence.

Red poppy fan commemorating WWI, created by Marian Jarvis

The idea was conceived by Jennifer (Jennie) Whetton, the owner of Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau, a château in Castillonnes, a charming bastide village in the Lot-et-Garonne (47). Jennie has collected antique and unusual fans for two decades. Each year, in association with France’s Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), which takes place this year September 20-21, Jennie and her husband open the doors of their beautiful home to visitors. To highlight the tour, Jennie decided to display her personal fan collection, which she began when she was an antiques dealer. Throughout the year, the lower level of the château is the setting for various exhibits and events, and Jennie thought a second fan collection — fans created by an array of people — would be the perfect complement to the exhibition upstairs. This collection of handmade fans will be on display every day from September 15-21.

Antique and unique fans will be on display at Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau
in Castillonnes for Heritage Days.

Fans in progress

The idea was embraced by local organizations including Lundi Lunches, a group which raises money for cancer support, and the Vendredi Club, an arts and crafts group. The call for fans was effective: A steady stream of amateur fan makers turned up at the château to make fans out of an array of materials. And more … many more … arrived in person and by post. When doors open on September 15, more than 200 fans will be on display.

Fan created by Karolina Trzcinska, 14, Bialystok, Poland

Fourteen-year-old Karolina Trzcinska from Bialystok, Poland, created and sent a lovely pink fan, adorned with flowers.

“I have no idea how she even heard about the project,” Jennie says. 

Breast cancer awareness fan, created by Sue Brenner

Fans were created by women and girls (and a handful of boys) of all ages and artistic talent. The youngest contributor is 11-month-old Xenia, who decorated her fan with handprints. Her contribution is even more noteworthy because Xenia has Downs Syndrome. The oldest fan-maker is Eve, 90. Some fans are clearly made by seasoned craftspeople, others are primitive and pretty, but also poignant.

Fan created by Xenia, 11 months

Fans on display in Castillonnes

Two fans by Bernice Lomas call attention to environmental issues.

Nothing will be for sale at the exhibition.

“This truly is about raising awareness about important women’s issues,” Jennie explains. “Domestic violence seems to be on the rise, probably because of the shame victims feel. She says she hopes the exhibit inspires a dialog about domestic violence and other important challenges women have faced for the past 100 years, and are facing today.

Fan on display in Castillonnes

“My happy place” fan, created by Carol Lyon

Fan calling attention to the important role of education in
women’s lives, by Marian Jarvis

The entire collection has been photographed and cataloged by volunteers Susan O’Rourke and Ian Cook.

After the exhibition in Castillonnes closes, Jennie hopes the word spreads. She says she’d be more than willing to bring or send the fans to other communities that wish to host an exhibition. With good word-of-mouth, this “fan-tastic” collection might go on the road. Organizations or communities interested in hosting the fan exhibition can contact Jennie Whetton at jennie@decoursdethomazeau.com.

Fan draws attention to body image issues

Fan made of gloves is designed to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The Language of the Fan Exposition is open 10 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m. September 15-21, 2014 at Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau, Promenade de la Mouthe in Castillonnes. Jennie Whetton’s fan collection will be on display on the Journées du Patrimoine weekend, September 21-22, during the same hours. Admission to the exhibition and to the château are free.

A fan calls attention to the issue of domestic violence.