One of the most widely watched dramas in the world is touring its wardrobe in an exhibition showcasing 36 period costumes from Downton Abbey®.
Set in the early twentieth century, “Dressing Downton” traces the events that uprooted British society on the eve of World War I and ushered in the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age and a new way of life.
The costumes were created for the show’s aristocratic Crawley family and their servants who inhabit the fictional English country estate of Downton Abbey. The costumes range from country tweeds and riding outfits; servants’ uniforms and footmen’s livery; to lavish evening attire crafted from sumptuous fabrics and decorated with intricate embroidery, lace and beading. Included are the gowns worn when Matthew first comes to Downton; the ostentatious outfits of the flamboyant American, Martha Levinson; military uniforms from World War I; and delicate afternoon dresses worn by the Ladies – Cora, Mary, Edith and Sybil.
I’ve never been to the Cheekwood Mansion so I was excited to not only see the exhibit but to tour the home. In the late 1950’s, the estate and grounds were donated as a public garden and a visual arts center. Since then, many of the rooms have been lovingly restored to their 1920’s glory while other rooms have been converted to display spaces which is where we viewed all the fine raiment created by a host of talented designers, seamstresses, tailors and needleworkers.
Left: Silk day dress and coat with black frogging and large brimmed silk hat with net overlay, flowers and riboon detail. Three quarter length coat became known as the “lampshade” silhouette. 1913 – 1914
Center: Light cream linen suit with straw Panama hat. Pale color and light fabric echoes heady, halcyon, care-fee days of the late-Edwardian Britain. 1913 – 1914
Right: Two piece silk day dress with netted toque hat. The shape of the dress is dictated by the S-bend corset, so-called because it accentuates the bosom, squeezes the figure in at the waist and pushes out at the back. 1913 – 1914
Left: Riding habit and hat. The tight cut and shorter corset helped the rider keep a straight back while galloping. The jacket was long and made from twill, tough wool that offered protection from thorns. Right: Lady Mary out for a ride on the grounds of Downton Abbey. 1913-1914
Two of Lady Crawley’s dresses from Season 3. Left: Coat with floral embroidered borders and dress with floral self pattern; worn at Lady Edith’s wedding. The coat was made from a 1920’s tablecloth. Right: Silk evening dress with net overlay and beaded panel in front. 1920
After our tour, we headed to the Pineapple Room to partake of an afternoon tea. Lady Candy and I both chose the Vanilla Peach tea which was simply divine. Unlike the refined ladies of Downton, we slurped down four cups and still wanted more.
Our sweets included two light as air scones served with a citrusy orange marmalade, flaky mini tarts filled with lemon curd and tiny squares of dark and subtly sweet banana bread. The savory’s were just as amazing. Miniature BLT’s were constructed of half dollar size bread rounds, a slice of Roma tomato atop a dollop of mayo and crispy, crumbled bacon with a sprig of watercress and diamond shaped chicken salad sandwiches. So many yummy sounds. We figuratively licked our plates and then pondered poaching leftovers from other tables.
We had a fabulous day and I can’t wait for our next outing.
Until then,
Lady Michelle of Franklin
