As much-loved Downton Abbey is set to bid a final goodbye, Bonhams is holding a farewell exhibition and auction of props, costumes and set pieces from the hugely popular series.
With more than 120 million viewers around the world, the Golden Globe, BAFTA and Primetime Emmy Award-winning series created by Julian Fellowes is one of the most popular programmes in the history of British television. Over its six seasons – and with a third and final motion picture to be released next month – audiences have been captivated by the story of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff, witnessing the loves and losses, births and deaths, scandals and impact of seismic world events.
Now, fans have a special opportunity to acquire a lasting souvenir, and Downton Abbey series producer Carnival Films will contribute their proceeds from items they have donated to the sale to Together for Short Lives, the UK’s leading charity for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Gareth Neame, Executive Producer & CEO of Carnival Films said: “The world of Downton Abbey is beloved around the globe for its rich, timeless storytelling. These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives.”
Highlights of the sale include:
- Michelle Dockery (as Lady Mary): Wedding 1 Prop Costume, and wedding bouquet Season 3, Episode 1. Estimate: £3,000 – 5,000.
- Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil): Harem Pant Prop Costume Season 1, Episode 4. Estimate: £3,000 – 5,000.
- A clapper board used in the production of the film Downton Abbey: A New Era. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500.
- An autographed script of Downton Abbey Season One, Episode One, Carnival Film & Television Ltd, 2010. Estimate: £600 – 800.
Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for House Sales and Private & Iconic Collections, commented: “Downton Abbey is an example of the very best of British television and filmmaking, and we are delighted to be offering the props and costumes from this landmark series. Downton Abbey is an exceptionally well-researched piece of storytelling on aristocratic society in the early 20th Century, and the costumes and props show the impressive attention to detail that brought the world to life on screen and making it so beloved by millions across the globe.”
A preview exhibition is now open at Bonhams New Bond Street. The online sale is now open and continues until 16 September. For further information: bonhams.com
Image: Michelle Dockery (as Lady Mary): Wedding 1 Prop Costume, and wedding bouquet Season 3, Episode 1. Estimate: £3,000 – 5,000. Image courtesy of Bonhams.
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