After six seasons and three films, saying goodbye to the Crawley family and their household will not be easy. But with the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale scheduled for September 12, the time has nearly come to hear that ever-so evocative theme tune one last time – until we watch again from season 1, of course. With the big day fast approaching, it seems we are reaching peak period-drama frenzy: there has been news of an NBC primetime special for the film, Tyrell’s have created a new flavour of crisp inspired by Downton (honey-glazed glorious gammon, naturally) and now there’s a landmark auction and exhibition coming to Bonhams in London.
Starting at 12pm BST on Monday August 18, the sale will run online for a month, ending on Tuesday September 16. There are 266 lots available, ranging from preparatory drawings for the set and letters and ephemera made by the production team to the furniture used on set and costumes worn by the stars. Estimates start at just £50 and go up to £35,000, but with so many fans out there who knows what prices could be achieved? Even if you’re not in a position to place a bid, you can still see these prized pieces at a free exhibition being held at the New Bond Street showroom to coincide with the auction. You can book your free ticket on the Bonhams website.
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Among the many highlights are Lady Mary’s wedding dress from her marriage to the dearly departed Matthew Crawley (estimate £3,000 to £5,000), a 1925 Sunbeam 20/60hp saloon aka the Grantham family car (estimate £25,000 to £35,000) and a George III oak dresser from the servant’s hall (estimate £1,000 to £1,500). In fact, all of the furniture is extremely desirable and would work just as well in a modest modern home as it did in the rooms of Downton, and some of it looks to be fairly affordable. And for those of us with a slight – or extreme – obsession with servant’s quarters, Jim Carter’s key cabinet (estimate £500 to £700) and the famous bell wall (estimate £5,000 to £7,000) have particular appeal.
It really is the perfect way to bid a fond farewell to the show, the films and all the characters we have grown to love. Don’t miss out on your chance to secure a piece of Downton history or see these pieces first-hand in London.
