Fans: M0077

Title

Fan signed by Sarah Bernhardt

Technique

Fan

Subject

Bernhardt, Sarah Henriette Rosine

Dimensions

Height: 27cm
Width: 45.5cm
Depth: 2.5cm

Other materials

Linen, bone and black string

Inscription/signature

"Fête Française Albert Hall 7 et 8 Juillet 1879… / F Duvelleroy 167 Regent Street" (blue ink on fan); "Sarah Bernhardt 1879" (signature black ink; rest illegible)

Provenance

Presented to the Garrick Club by Audrey Teesdale, 1995

Other number

Gift 964

On the 7th and 8th of July 1879 the Royal Albert Hall hosted the" French Fancy Fair" or "Fete Francaise". It was organised by the Comedie Francaise in aid of The French Benevolent Society, The French Hospital and French School in London. Stalls were manned by members of the theatrical group and the main attraction was Sarah Bernhardt's stall. Teh fair was widely reported n the press at the time, many reporting that Sarah Bernhardt worked tirelessley selling signed photographs, and fans and apparently even some kittens to the Princess of Wales! The Royal Albert Hall has in its archives a programme for the event.