Iconic Items from the Beloved British Series Available for Viewing and Bidding
As the iconic British series Downton Abbey prepares for its final chapter with an upcoming third and final film, fans can explore the show’s memorable items in a London exhibition before they go under the hammer in an online auction. This will provide some solace to devoted followers as they bid farewell to the beloved series.
Charlie Thomas from Bonhams Shares His Favorite Item
Charlie Thomas, an expert from the Bonhams auction house, shares his enthusiasm for a particular item in the sale: the servants’ call panel, which has been featured since the very first episode of Downton Abbey. Estimated to fetch between $6,800 and $9,500, Thomas believes it will sell for even more.
“To demonstrate that the call button works, just look at this!” he exclaims as he activates it. Thomas has estimated the prices for all items in the auction.
The online sale began on Monday and will conclude on September 16th. Simultaneously, the public can view these items in a London exhibition.
“We’ve already received tremendous interest from all over the world, including America, Europe, and Asia,” says Thomas. “People have fallen in love with the characters from Downton Abbey.”
Global Popularity of Downton Abbey
Created by Julian Fellowes and first aired in 2010 in the UK, Downton Abbey quickly conquered the world with its six seasons and 52 episodes chronicling the lives of a wealthy aristocratic family, the Crawleys, and their servants over 30 years. The series has been watched by more than 120 million viewers worldwide, according to Bonhams.
Two films were produced based on the series, in 2019 and 2022. A third movie, “The Grand Finale,” is set to release in the coming months and will address topics such as divorce and the future of the Crawleys in a rapidly changing world. This final film will mark the definitive end of the franchise, following the television series’ conclusion in 2015.
Exhibition Highlights
At the exhibition, a woman is captivated by Violet Crawley’s cane, portrayed by the late Maggie Smith. “It’s truly a beautiful object,” she remarks, without revealing her name. “I’d like to give it to my mother-in-law, who will turn 70, but I’m not sure she’d appreciate it!” she laughs.
Other notable items in the sale include Lord and Lady Grantham’s car, valued between $34,000 and $47,000 and dating back to 1925, which still functions well according to Thomas. Also up for bid is Lady Mary’s wedding dress (season 3, episode 14) valued between $4,100 and $5,850, as well as Lady Sybil’s bloomer trousers (season 1, episode 4) estimated at the same price.
“What I like most are the dresses; they’re magnificent,” says Hailey Bradley, a 23-year-old American living in London. She visited the exhibition to see these pieces up close. “It’s so glamorous,” she adds, describing herself as a “huge fan”.
International Fans Gather for One-of-a-Kind Experience
Lucia Campana, an Italian from Milan, visited the exhibition with her husband and 11-year-old daughter, Giulia. They planned their family vacation in the UK to explore significant locations from Jane Austen’s life, discover the world of Harry Potter, and experience Downton Abbey.
“This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see all these items before they disappear,” explains Campana, who has no intention of bidding in the auction. “The best pieces will be too expensive and not truly useful in our lives,” she notes.
Jenny Foster, an 85-year-old British woman, closely examines the 1920s dresses, expressing her disappointment about the series’ impending end. “But I’ll likely watch all the episodes again, as I’ve forgotten some parts,” she says. Proceeds from the sale will benefit a British charity, Together for Short Lives, which supports sick children.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this exhibition and auction? Fans can view and bid on iconic items from Downton Abbey before they are sold in an online auction, providing a chance to say goodbye to the beloved series.
- What items are up for auction? Notable pieces include the servants’ call panel, Lord and Lady Grantham’s 1925 car, Lady Mary’s wedding dress, and Lady Sybil’s bloomer trousers.
- Why is this event significant for fans? It offers a unique opportunity to see these memorable items and reminisce about the series before it concludes for good.
- What will happen to the proceeds from the auction? The money raised will be donated to Together for Short Lives, a British charity supporting sick children.
