Esther Sleepe facts for kids

Esther Sleepe (born 1725, died 1762) was a clever English businesswoman who lived a long time ago. She was known for her successful fan-making business in London.

Esther was born into a family that was already quite creative. Her father, Richard Sleepe, was the Head of the City Waits, which was a group of musicians who played for the city. Her mother, Esther Dubois, was also a fan maker, just like Esther would become. Esther had two sisters, Mary Sleepe Samson and Martha Sleepe.

In 1749, Esther married a musician named Charles Burney. Together, they had two children who became quite famous: Charles Burney, who became a schoolmaster, and Fanny Burney, who became a well-known writer.

Her Business: The Golden Fan & Seven Stars

From 1747, before she even got married, Esther and her sisters, Mary and Martha, ran their own workshop. It was called The Golden Fan & Seven Stars and was located in London. At their shop, they made and sold beautiful fans. Fans were very popular back then, not just for keeping cool, but also as fashion accessories and luxury items. Their business was very successful!

After she married, Esther Sleepe became the main person supporting her family financially. Her husband's job as a musician didn't pay very much. This shows how important and skilled Esther was as a businesswoman. Even though her family later tried to hide this fact because they wanted to seem like they were from a higher social class where women didn't usually work, Esther's hard work was key to her family's well-being.

What She Sold

We know a lot about Esther's business from one of her old business cards, which is kept safe at the British Museum. It tells us exactly what she offered:

• Esther Sleepe made, put together, and sold all kinds of fans, both from India and England.
• She also sold a wide variety of French and English necklaces, drops (like pendants), and earrings. These were made in the most fashionable styles of the time.
• You could buy items from her shop either in large amounts (wholesale) or single items (retail) at fair prices.
• She even offered a service to mend or fix fans in a very neat way.

Recognized for Her Work

Esther Sleepe was one of many successful businesswomen in London during the 1700s. Her achievements were recognized in a special exhibition called ‘City Women in the 18th Century’. This exhibition took place in London from September 21 to October 18, 2019. It highlighted the important roles women like Esther played in the city's economy and business world.