Fan collection

The Migration Museum holds approximately 50 hand-held fans of varying quality, aesthetic beauty and provenance. The majority are ornamental folding fans designed to be closed when not in use. Some are believed to have been brought to South Australia from Europe in the early days of the colony. The 'oriental' history of fans is represented by those formerly stocked by the China Gift Store on Rundle Street, Adelaide (owned by the Sym Choon family). The collection also includes a couple of paper promotional and commemorative fans issued by John Martin's Department Store.