Fan Making Workshop with Sophia Mace
| Location: Hampton Court Palace | |
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Technique: Fan Making |
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Duration: 10am-4pm |
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Course Description
Discover the timeless art of paper fan making in this hands-on workshop, where traditional craftsmanship meets personal creativity. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with a love of paper crafts, this course offers a gentle introduction to the techniques used to create beautiful, functional folding fans.
Guided step by step you will learn how to plan and develop your design, transfer artwork onto a fan leaf, and use colour, pattern and decorative techniques to create a unique piece. You will then discover the traditional methods of pleating, bringing together artistry and precision to create a fully functioning keepsake. After pleating you will learn how to attach your fan leaf onto the sticks, then you will have your completed fan!
Whether your inspiration comes from nature, historic patterns or contemporary design, you will be encouraged to develop your own creative style and leave with a fan that reflects your personality.
Perfect for craft enthusiasts, artists, designers or anyone seeking a creative and mindful experience, this workshop celebrates the enduring beauty of handmade objects and the satisfaction of learning a traditional skill.
What you will need to bring
We recommend bringing a notebook and pen if you would like to make notes throughout the course, as well as any additional drawing or design materials you might like to work with.
You are also welcome to bring some inspiration for your fan leaf design. You can come along and be guided on the day, but you may want to start thinking about your design in advance. This could be something as simple as an abstract splatter or a more detailed design such as a landscape or meadow of flowers – the choice is completely up to you.
And if you have a favourite mug, feel free to bring it along for your refreshment breaks!
Tutor Biography
Sophia Mace
Sophia first started making fans in 2024 for her Textiles Degree Show at the University of Loughborough. Having discovered that fan making was an endangered craft Sophia wanted to revive and celebrate the beauty and intricacy of fan making. Since graduating with a First Class (Hons), Sophia has continued making fans and also teaches the craft. Sophia has taught fan making with the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, in association with The King’s Foundation at Highgrove. One of Sophia’s fans was presented to the Lady Mayoress of London at a small ceremony organised by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. Sophia has also been made an Honorary Freeman of the Livery Company. Sophia’s goal is to reimagine the fan as a contemporary object for interior spaces as well as its traditional use; celebrating exceptional craftsmanship, honouring its rich heritage, and using beautiful, high-quality materials to create pieces that reveal hidden beauty.
Important Venue Information
Please note this is an in-person class at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
On Arrival
Access to Hampton Court Palace is security controlled. Access to the Palace grounds is only available via the main Palace gate (Trophy Gate) - this is the large gate closest to Hampton Court Bridge. Access is currently not available via other gates. On arrival, walk down the drive to the Palace itself and then around the left-hand (north) side of the building until you see the vehicle security barrier and the entrance to the Security Office.
There will be a member of staff to meet you outside the Security Office at 9.45am to escort you to the classroom. You will be issued a visitor pass - please make sure that you wear this and that it is visible at all times.
Accessibility
Hampton Court Palace dates back to the 14th Century. The main RSN classrooms are on the 3rd floor which can be accessed by the Chocolate Court Stairs in Fountain Court, whilst the other classroom has an additional six steps in order to access it. The palace is very old and the walk to our classrooms may have uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions. Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain. There is a lift available for acces from Fountain Court to the RSN apartments but access is prioritised for those with mobility issues.
Breaks and Lunchtime
Refreshments will be provided in the morning. You may take your lunch break in our break room or within the Palace gardens. Please bring a packed lunch and drink with you as there are only two sets of Palace facilities and there are likely to be lengthy queues at lunchtime. Please remember to wear your pass at all times.
Access to toilets
There two upstairs toilets will be available, Additional toilet facilities are available in Fountain Court.
Staff
The RSN Education Team are not onsite at the weekend so please do not expect to see any on your visit, if you need to speak with or contact a member of the team please email education@royal-needlework.co.uk in the first instance.
Materials
Your kit will be ready for you in the classroom. Any additional equipment will be available to purchase or borrow from the RSN on the day. It is useful to bring a notepad and pen, a thimble if you use one and a pair of sharp, favoured embroidery scissors.
RSN Shop
The shop is located on the ground floor next to the East Front Gate and will be open between 11am-4pm. We do have a 'click and collect' pickup service option if you wish to order anything from the shop in advance and pick it up when you attend for your class. This option is available at the Online Shop checkout. Please note that five working days notice must be given to use the shop pickup service.
Photography
You may take photographs of your own work in progress, or of other students’ work with their permission. Photography of work on the walls or any RSN collection pieces is not permitted in any area of the RSN. From time to time we may wish to take photographs of your class and work in progress for publicity material to be used on-line and in print. If you would prefer not to be included in these photographs please let us know.
Checklist BEFORE you Leave Home
[ ] HCP Pass – if you have one
[ ] Embroidery Scissors
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Drink and packed lunch
Fan Making Workshop with Sophia Mace
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