The “Waderlmacher” from Vienna

In the 18th century, fan manufacturers were known as “the ‘Waderlmacher’ from Vienna” (Waderl was the dialect word for fans). The earliest documentation of a “Waderlmacher” in Vienna is from 1778. Most distinguished among them were Hieronymus Löschenkohl and Johann Kreuzenfeld. Löschenkohl preferred to have his paper fans, like his copper etchings, printed with current events, theatre scenes, Vienna’s important “Annen” festival, and with calendars as New Year’s presents. This launched the serial production of inexpensive fans that could now also be purchased by less well-off customers.