Wandering Wednesday: A Surprising Treat at the Reading Museum

Well...it's 2026, and what better way to begin the new year than by venturing out on Wednesday for a bit of exploration? 

I had read that our local museum was featuring a Downton Abbey Exhibit that was scheduled to end on January 18, and having been a fan of the series, we thought it would be interesting to see what was on display. 

Upon first glance, I was quite impressed with the presentation of this exhibit.   After all, the abbey itself was featured at the entrance, enticing us in.  How clever was that? 

All of the clothing on display is original to the actual Downton Abbey productions, with some being from the season shows, and some from the post season movies.   The photos above and below feature  items that were worn by the "Queen Mary" during the first post season movie,  where the king and queen visit the abbey.

There were placards on display explaining which episodes the clothes were worn, as well as the details explaining the fabric and the connection to the era when a similar garment would have been the norm.

Below, you see a dress worn by Cora, the Countess of Grantham, in seasons 5 and 6.  In the background is a mantlepiece from the same era, borrowed from the Reading Historical Society specifically for this project.  I felt that it really enhanced the presentation. 

Below one can almost imagine Maggie Smith as the Dowager countess on the left, and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith. 

Here is a closer look at the dress worn by Lady Edith.

Here is the famous garden party scene, enhanced with floral displays to add to the festivities. 

And I can't forget the dress worn by Shirley Maclaine, grandmama to the Crawley sisters.

The museum backdrop is perfect for this scene featuring Lady Mary and her future husband, Matthew, in their early days of courtship.

Then we progress to when the couple is married, and a particular bedroom scene is recreated featuring  Lady Mary with her maid, Anna, in the bedroom

with Matthew in his robe and pajamas.  Because we all had to see Matthew in his pjs, right? 

We certainly can't forget Mrs. Patmore, the cook

as well as Mrs. Hughes, a housemaid, and Carson, the butler.  I never noticed just how detailed Mrs. Hughes' dress was when I watched the show.  I was really surprised to see the specialty fabric that was used in its construction, as well as the detailed pleats on the skirt of the dress. I also found it clever that the wall featured bells similar to those that would have been used to call the staff by the family.

This stunning dress was worn during season 2, where Cora attends a fundraiser for the WWI hospital.  The detailed beading was impressive. 

These two dresses were worn by the characters Lady Edith and Lady Sybil during Season 1 when the household was entertaining a Turkish ambassador.

The dresses were not featured in chronological order in respect to time, but the exhibit had several placards on the wall that explained the change in fashion,  in particular the progression of change in women's fashion over the years. 

This fine, delicately beaded gown comes from season 5 when Lady Rose meets her future husband's parents.  It's easy to see the change in the length and volume of dress in comparison with above, which was the attire donned by Cora, in the middle, at Rose's presentation to the Queen several years earlier. 

Lady Mary loved riding, and this features a split skirt for ease in mounting and dismounting.  The Tweed suit was worn by the earl when he was out and about on his estate.

And we can't forget the famous cricket match.

Lady Sybil, in her nursing dress, with replicas of posters from the World War I era.

And, finally, Lady Edith, who rose to the occasion, by learning to drive so that she could help out the local farmer with necessary duties. 

The exhibit was not only a display and explanation of fashion, it was an excellent history lesson that detailed the role of women over the years featured in the series, as well as the effects that the war had on the changing political situation and shifting dynamics of society.   It really was extremely informative, and very well done! 

Moving from the exhibit to across the hall,  I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a decorated tree, nestled in the religious art section, that was all aglow.  Upon closer look, I could see that it had a Ukrainian theme. 

It was loaded with a variety of decorated egg shaped ornaments, each one intricately painted.

Continuing past the religious art, there was a modern art exhibit which had a tree devoted to Poland standing in the midst of the featured art. 

Honestly, I couldn't see the connection between the themed tree and the nearby art, but we certainly did enjoy some of the surrounding creativity.

On the floor below, I spied a tree with a Greece theme in the ancient civilizations room

And there was one from China as well

I have the feeling that there were several more that had been on display throughout the building, but the museum was beginning its dismantling of the holiday decor.  How lucky were we to have stumbled upon these unique creations?

The Downton Abbey exhibit was a real treat for me.  Just seeing the details and handwork that went into making these fashions was really fascinating.  And there was enough history to keep Marty entertained, as he probably doesn't give a hoot about fabric cut on the bias, or matching tweed patterns.  But then again...you never know. 

Thanks for following along. 

Until next time.....

Winterthur's Literary Wonders

A few years ago, Kathy, a friend of mine, introduced me to Winterthur, a DuPont mansion just over the border in Delaware.  Marty and I opted to become members and each December we look forward to the Yuletide Event to see what transformations will take place within its walls. 

This year, the theme is Storybooks and Literature highlighting the holdings of the Dupont Estate. 

Yesterday, Marty and I hopped in the car and made the trip east, driving along low stress, charming country roads under a bright blue sky.  It was really the perfect day for our venture. 

We parked in the lot, checked in at the desk, and decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk to the entrance.  The light filled tunnel is simply enchanting.  The picture doesn't do it justice. 

Walking through the lot, we passed the first theme decorated tree entitled, "A New Coat for Anna".  The decorations were very clever, with unique tape measure designs, spools of thread and hand made sheep adorning the greenery. 

And what says "old fashioned: more than this truck complete with a simple decorated tree and flexible flyer sled?

Soon we were at the entrance to the solarium where we were pleasantly surprised to be ushered right through to the house without having to wait.  But we couldn't skip a quick photo of the traditional tree constructed from dried flowers harvested from the estate grounds. 

Through the doors we were greeted by a guide who explained that the trees this year were based on selected pieces of literature that were holdings of the estate. 

The tree featured some of the rare volumes that were owned by the DuPont family. When the original Pier Samuel came to America in 1800, he brought nearly 8000 books with him.  It became a tradition in the family to exchange books on New Year's Day.  

Entering the drawing room we see The Tragedy of MacBeth.  The glowing cauldron beneath the tree, in the relatively dark room, enhanced the aura. 

The next room on the tour reflected the workings of J.J. Granville and his 1800's era drawings of humans amid flowers. The pastel colors were enhanced by the light colors on the walls. 

The Chinese room has always been fascinating with its walls covered in 1700 Chinese wall paper.  The decorators used the theme to adorn this tree. 

A daffodil tree representing the William Wordsworth poem, "I Wandered as a Lonely Cloud"

The Black Tulip based on the Alexandre Dumas novel by the same name, written in 1850. 

I was completely enthralled with the stairway representation of Alice in Wonderland.  Note the pink flamingos, playing cards, rabbit at the top, and a tree featuring a cheshire grin and top hat in place of a star.  Very clever, don't you think? 

A drawing  room was appropriately decorated in honor of Oscar Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Ernest", a favorite of mine. 

Here you see a small, sea adventure tree that is actually a tribute to novel, Moby Dick.  I found the jumping fish and life preservers to be rather amusing. 

Under glass, next to the tree, is an engraved whale tooth, one of the family collection. 

These billowy trees are in tribute to hymns written by the American Poet Phillis Wheatley in the 18th century. She was enslaved as a child, but the Wheatley family celebrated her talent for literature. 

the trees represent "Hymn to the Morning"

and Hymn to the Evening. 

The Dining room was decorated to represent Old Fezziwig's entertainment venue from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  One could almost feel the festivities

and imagine the taste of the delectable delights. 

A rare 11th edition of the famous novel is displayed behind glass. 

Down a hallway leading from the dining room is a parlor featuring depictions from the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" published in 1823.  Isn't this image of Santa familiar?

The architecture and decor reflect the Georgian period in which the poem was written. 

The Gift of the Magi is one we find familiar, written in 1905.  The tree featured various watches among the limbs as well as combs for Della's hair. 

This next representation certainly took me by surprise.  It is entitled The Purple Cow.  It is believed to have stemmed from a poem written in 1895 bye Gelett Burgess. 

"I never saw a purple cow,

I never hope to see one;

but I can tell you, anyhow

I'd rather see than be one."

In a small alcove off the hall we find a tree devoted to a nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty. 

The main living room featured a large tree adorned with white flowers, feathers, pearls and champagne glasses. 

It represents the grandiose style from the classic, The Great Gatsby. 

That completed our house tour, but we couldn't leave without venturing over to the museum to see the famous Gingerbread display. 

A lovely arrangement adorned the outdoor entrance. 

and in the back corners, on either side, were displays devoted to The Secret Garden. 

Very cleverly done, there was a dog made from shredded paper and a hedgehog made from a folded book. 

Aren't they entertaining? 

By now, the smell of gingerbread was enticing us, so we headed to the room where every year a spectacular  model is on display. 

You can see the details of this edible delight. 

Note the windows of the train which appear to show passengers inside. 

and the white puff of smoke was entertaining as well.  Such clever representations, don't you think?

We had a marvelous time visiting Winterthur again this year.  But the fun didn't end there.  We decided to head to the restaurant, The Best of Britain,  located in Wayne, PA,  to feast on some authentic British food.  We had visited last year and had enjoyed the food as well as the entertaining waitress.  

Imagine our surprise to have her wait on us again this year!  And, just like last year, how could we resist a photo together?

I hope you enjoyed following along on our adventures.  We certainly had a grand time living them!

Until next time...