Recovery of George III from Illness thumbnail 1
Not on display

Recovery of George III from Illness

Fan
1789 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Many 18th-century fans commemorated important events. They marked the births, marriages and deaths of well-known people, royal occasions or major social events. This fan celebrates George III's recovery from illness in 1789. The simple, emblematic design includes the rose and thistle, symbolising the Union of Scotland and England by Act of Parliament in 1707. Above are the words, 'Health is restored to ONE and happiness to Millions'. The fan may have been designed for ladies to carry at the great ball given at Court in 1789 to celebrate the king's recovery.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleRecovery of George III from Illness (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gouache painted on paper, pleated, carved and pierced ivory, brass, mother-of-pearl
Brief description
Fan 'Recovery of George III from Illness' made of paper painted with gouache, and carved and pierced ivory sticks and guards, Great Britain, 1789
Physical description
Fan made of paper painted with gouache, and carved and pierced ivory sticks and guards. Painted with a crown below which are a rose and thistle. Along the top edge, which is blue, is written 'Health is restored to ONE and happiness to Millions'. On two blue scrolls is also inscribed 'On the King's' and 'Happy Recovery'. Under the arm is the cypher 'G.R.' worked in sequins. Brass rivet, and mother-of-pearl washers.
Dimensions
  • Length: 10.5in
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'On the King's' and 'Happy Recovery' (Each inscribed on a blue scroll)
  • 'Health is restored to ONE and happiness to Millions' (Inscribed in gold along the top edge)
Credit line
Given by HM Queen Mary
Subject depicted
Summary
Many 18th-century fans commemorated important events. They marked the births, marriages and deaths of well-known people, royal occasions or major social events. This fan celebrates George III's recovery from illness in 1789. The simple, emblematic design includes the rose and thistle, symbolising the Union of Scotland and England by Act of Parliament in 1707. Above are the words, 'Health is restored to ONE and happiness to Millions'. The fan may have been designed for ladies to carry at the great ball given at Court in 1789 to celebrate the king's recovery.
Collection
Accession number
T.203-1959

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Record createdDecember 12, 2003
Record URL
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