The Gothic Revival was an art movement inspired by medieval art and architecture. It became popular in the 1830s and 1840s. On fans such as this one, the style took the form of delicately pointed tops to the sticks. These were further embellished with crocketing - small projections along the points - inspired by the gables and spires of Gothic churches. The rich colours are a new development after the pastel shades of the earlier Neo-classical period.