A Rare Commemorative Fan Honoring Princess Diana Is Part of the Ringling Museum Collection

WHAT:           
The Ringling Museum has in its collection a rare commemorative fan honoring the Marriage of Diana Spencer to Charles, Prince of Wales.  The fan, modeled from a fan used by Princess Diana, is one of only three fans in the United Sates from this special series.  The original fan, as well as the commemorative fans, was created for the royal wedding in July 1981 by Fan Circle International.  The other 22 fans are part of private and public collections in the United Kingdom.

Tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 marks the 10-year anniversary of Princess Diana’s passing.

The fan was gifted to the Ringling Museum in 1988 from Elsa James Zelley.  It was included with another 149 exquisite fans representing 60 years of collecting.

The fan will be on display at the Museum of Art in late September 2007. The Museum features a collection of over two hundred seventy five hand-held fans dating from the late 17^th to the late 20^th centuries.

WHEN:           
Late September 2007

WHERE:          
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota     

CONTACT:     
Please direct all media calls to PR Manager Lynn Hobeck Bates, 941.359.5700 Ext. 2803 or lhobeck@ringling.org

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General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit Ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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