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 Master Piece Award 2026

The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers received its Royal Charter in 1709. Like other companies in the City, it evolved a system of apprenticeships. Apprentices learned every aspect of fan making and before they could be admitted as a Freeman of the Company, they had to submit a test piece to a Senior Fan Maker for inspection. This became know as a “Master Piece”.

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We have introduced this competition to encourage interest and innovation in the field of fan making. This competition is open to anyone but particularly those interested in fashion and arts and crafts.

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​The 2026 competition is now open!  

Sophia Mace

Winner 2024

Sophia Mace won the first Master Piece Award in 2024. Pictured here with the Lady Mayoress Florence King and Master Fan Maker Mike Lakin. 

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2026 Competition now open 

Eligibility

  • This competition is open to anyone who is resident in the UK

  • We invite participation from anyone but particularly those interested in fashion and arts and crafts

  • Entries will be accepted from an individual or a group of individuals

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Timeline

The competition will run once a year. Key dates are as follows:

1st April: Closing date, entries received after this date will not be considered

1st May: Entrants on the short list will be notified

1st June: Deadline for shortlisted fans to be sent to the company

1st July: Winner will be notified

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Prize:

A prize of £500 will be awarded and the winner will be invited to the company dinner on 22nd October in London where the prize will be presented.  If no suitable fans are submitted, The Company reserves the right not to issue a prize.

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Judging

Entries should be emailed in the first instance to the Clerk of the Company. clerk@fanmakers.com

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Entries will be assessed by the Master of the Company and the Chairman and members of the Heritage Craft committee.

Entries will be assessed on their overall appearance, the design concept, materials used, mechanics and aesthetics.

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A short list of 5 will be compiled at which point entrants will be asked to send their fan for judging.

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Entry Criteria

Entries can be a single fan or a series of fans.

Entrants should submit 500 words describing their entry to include the following:

  • the inspiration for their design

  • a list of materials and why they were chosen

  • any particular methods used/developed to make the various components of the fan

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Students should also submit a maximum of 8 photographs on no more than 2 A4 sheets which could include:

  • the fan (open and closed fan where applicable)

  • a close up of the leaf

  • a close up of any decoration on the sticks and guards

  • any photographs of the making process

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If the entry is from a group of individuals, an indication should be given of how each individual has contributed to the design and making of the fan.

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When the entry is submitted, entrants should include a sentence stating that it is their own work.

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