Mary Cooper has been a UK antiques dealer since 1981. She started by collecting and dealing in antique lace, embroideries, costume and textiles. However, the first time she spotted an antique fan with a lace leaf, she was hooked! Her own collection then concentrated on mainly 19th-century lace fans. Art Nouveau and Deco are also favourite periods, and as well as the clothing and accessories, her collection extended to fans. Over the years Mary has mounted specialist exhibitions, written articles for the Fan Collecting Associations, given specialist lectures and latterly become a consultant for auction houses. She recently returned to the UK from Annecy in France and now lives in North Yorkshire with her long-suffering husband and three much loved cats.