We are delighted to introduce the Rocamora Fan, a remarkable embroidery project created by Zina Kazban for our Barcelona Retreat 2026 and now available as a kit.
Developed in collaboration with the Rocamora Foundation in Barcelona, this beautiful design takes its inspiration from a rare seventeenth-century fan preserved within the collection of Manuel Rocamora (1892–1976).
For those of us who spend our days bringing history to life with needle and thread, few experiences are as exciting as the opportunity to recreate an object that has survived for centuries.
First taught by Zina during our Barcelona Retreat in April 2026, this extraordinary project offers stitchers the opportunity to explore the delicate embroidery, colours and craftsmanship of a remarkable historic accessory.
Manuel Rocamora: The Collector Behind the Fan
Rocamora was a passionate collector whose dedication preserved hundreds of treasures for the city he loved. Born into a wealthy family in Barcelona, he had the freedom to devote his life to art, writing, painting, and above all, collecting.
From the age of eighteen, he amassed what would become one of Spain’s most important collections of historic dress and accessories, with a particular love for fans, which he considered the most expressive of all feminine accessories.
In his 1956 book, Abanicos históricos y anecdóticos, he wrote:
“Ningún accesorio ha igualado al abanico en fantasía y espiritualidad.”
(No accessory has equalled the fan in fantasy and spirituality.)
His collection included 236 fans ranging from the seventeenth century to the early twentieth, with two exceptionally rare rigid fans from the 1600s, one of which forms the centrepiece of our embroidery project.
Constructed from silk-covered card, embroidered in coloured threads, decorated with lace and velvet, and mounted on wood, this fan’s rarity lies not only in its age but in the survival of its delicate materials.
From Rocamora’s Cabinet to the Museum
By the 1960s, Rocamora’s home could no longer contain his collection. In 1969, he generously donated more than 4,000 objects, including this fan, to Barcelona Town Hall, forming the basis of the Design Hub's celebrated textile and dress holdings. This donation ensured the preservation of these treasures for future generations.
A Life Intertwined with Culture
Rocamora’s influence extended beyond collecting. He moved among musicians, writers, and artists, creating a vibrant cultural hub in his home. As he once said:
“Quiero que mis vestidos vayan y vengan, sean vistos y comentados. No concibo a un coleccionista que guarde su colección únicamente para sí.”
(I want my dresses to circulate, to be seen and discussed. I cannot conceive of a collector who keeps their collection only for themselves.)
Bringing History to Life
During our Barcelona Retreat, Zina guided students through the recreation of this extraordinary fan, exploring the delicate stitches, textures and colours of the original.
We are now delighted to make this special project available to stitchers everywhere.
From the hands of the original seventeenth-century embroiderer, through the collection of Manuel Rocamora and its preservation for future generations, this remarkable object has a story that continues to unfold.
By stitching the Rocamora Fan, you become part of that story, helping to keep the techniques and traditions of historic needlework alive for another generation.
What's Included in Your Rocamora Fan Kit
Everything you need to recreate this exquisite seventeenth-century-inspired design, carefully selected to reflect the beauty and intricacy of the original embroidery.
Your kit includes:
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Fine Regal Silk: A generous piece of warm white silk, with the design delicately printed in a fine outline, together with calico backing fabric.
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DeVere Silks: Fourteen carefully selected shades of fine silk thread, from soft peaches and warm reds to delicate greens and blues.
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Goldwork Materials: Copper and gilt pearl purl, gilt smooth passing thread and very fine Japanese gold thread, bringing beautiful texture and richness to the design.
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Needles: A selection of embroidery and chenille needles, together with a curved needle for finishing.
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Detailed Instructions: A comprehensive instruction booklet, stitch chart, colour chart and direction chart to guide you through the project.
Inspired by the extraordinary original fan, this kit offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the combination of silk and metal thread embroidery that makes historic needlework so captivating.
Available from Tuesday 19th September 2026 as part of our Zina Kazban Collection.
