BACK IN TIME: Attention all “Downton Abbey” fans who are finding it hard to say farewell to the franchise. To coincide with the release of the third and final “Downton Abbey” film in September, Bonhams is holding a farewell exhibition and auction of props, costumes, and set pieces from the television series and films.
The sale will run online on Bonhams.com from Aug. 18 until Sept. 16 alongside a free exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street, London that will be open to the public.
Highlights of the sale include the frill-free 1920s wedding dress that Michelle Dockery wore as Lady Mary; the harem pants that Jessica Brown Findlay donned as Lady Sybil; and Dame Maggie Smith’s dresses in light pink and dark gray. Estimates range from 800 pounds for the harem pants to 5,000 for the wedding costume, which also includes the bouquet, veil and shoes.
Props are also going under the hammer, including the all-important wall of bells the Crawley family used for summoning staff; a clapper board from the production of the film “Downton Abbey: A New Era;” and an autographed script of Downton Abbey season one, episode one.
The harem pants that Jessica Brown Findlay wore as Lady Sybil in “Downton Abbey” are going under the hammer at Bonhams.
Nick briggs
Charlie Thomas, Bonhams U.K. group director for house sales and private and iconic collections, said the show 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.”
Thomas called Downton “an exceptionally well-researched piece of storytelling on aristocratic society in the early 20th century. The costumes and props show the impressive attention to detail that brought the world to life on screen, making it so beloved by millions across the globe.”
“Downton Abbey,” first aired in Sept., 2010, and ran for six seasons until 2015. The third film, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” will be released in September. It is produced by Carnival Films, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing.
Created by Julian Fellowes, the franchise attracted more than 120 million viewers, and won Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Primetime Emmy awards.
An autographed script from “Downton Abbey,” season one, episode one.
The series’ producer Carnival Films (part of Universal Studio Group) will contribute proceeds from the sale to Together for Short Lives, a British charity for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
This isn’t the first time that Bonhams has auctioned film memorabilia. Earlier this year, Bonhams auctioned more than 450 props and costumes from Netflix drama, “The Crown,” including crowns, tiaras, gowns, beds and other royal memorabilia.
The auction raised more than 1.7 million pounds, more than three times the pre-sale estimate.
