In early 19th century Paris the glory days of the fan seemed to be over and many illustrious fan makers had ceased trading. Yet in 1827 the young Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy decided to try his luck by opening a business, determined fans could regain their fashionable status. And luck was on his side – just two years later all the ladies at a ball given by the Duchess de Berry carried fans and overnight the accessory once again became a social necessity. Soon the House of Duvelleroy was established in the fashionable rue de la Paix, close to the centre of the luxury goods industry in Place Vendôme. Having been awarded a Gold Medal at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, Duvelleroy was given a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria and opened a shop in London. Queen Victoria was just one of many 19th century royal ladies who patronised Duvelleroy at a time when the firm was recognised as the exclusive supplier to the City of Paris. The business founded by Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy passed through succeeding generations until after the Second World War and, thanks to the preservation of its archive, has recently been revived by two enterprising women who are once again marketing luxury and more affordable fans under the Duvelleroy name.
To learn more about Sylvain Le Guen press A.To hear more about the history of Duvelleroy, Press B