Back in the days when ladies swooned, a flashy fan was a great thing to have on hand. Over the centuries, in fact, the fan as artistic expression accrued a huge following. In London, the only museum devoted entirely to the history of the fan and its 3,000 years as an art form is located in the historic Greenwich district. The vast permanent collection includes examples dating from the 12^th century to contemporary times, with outstanding pieces such as a fan-shaped design by artist Paul Gauguin and a fan painted by Walter Sickert.

On the first Saturday of every month, an expert in fan design and history leads an afternoon workshop in fan making. Each class lasts approximately three hours, in which participants each produce two fans: one in traditional Chinese form and the other in an early 20^th-century design known as the Fontange shape. The museum provides materials, equipment, tea and biscuits, and participants bring their own selection of papers appropriate to fan making (pre-booking and payment is required). The museum is located in two Grade II-listed townhouses built in 1721. After you’ve enjoyed the exhibitions, treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Orangery, overlooking a Japanese-style secret garden.