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.....
