Downton Abbey fans will soon have the opportunity to own a piece of the show’s glittering history, as costumes and props from the series are set to be sold in an upcoming charity auction, with an accompanying free exhibition open to the public. The auction comes as the third and final Downton Abbey film hits cinemas around the world.
Among the items for sale are the Granthams’ family car, the oak dresser seen in the Servant’s Hall, the wedding dresses of Lady Mary and Lady Edith, and a dress worn by Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
The Grantham car is a 1925 Sunbeam Saloon, believed to be one of about 45 surviving models of its kind, and is estimated to sell for between £25,000 and £30,000.
The pale apricot dress worn by Michelle Dockerty as Lady Mary in her wedding to Matthew Crawley in season 3 is a classic 1920s design, with a long train, long sleeves and beaded lace tabard overlay. Bonhams estimate this will go for between £3,000 and £5,000.
Lady Edith’s dress, meanwhile, is made of Brussels lace, with raised petal motifs and worn with a separate Brussels lace train with a faux-pearl necklace, seed pearl tiara and tulle veil, worn with ivory satin shoes and an additional pearlescent beaded headdress. All the accessories are sold with the wedding dress, with an estimated total price of between £3,000 and £5,000.
Also up for sale are a set of harem pants worn by Lady Sybil, a terracotta pleated coat and teal dress worn by Cora, Lady Edith’s peacock dress, a cream coat and red dress belonging to Lady Mary, and one of Mrs Hughes’ evening uniforms.
A George III oak dresser seen in the Servants’ Hall is also included in the line-up, dressed with a collection of kitchen props including a household planning calendar created by the Graphic department.
Proceeds from the auction will go to Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
The auction house Bonhams will also be hosting a free exhibition open to the public at its New Bond Street saleroom in London from 18 August to 16 September. The auction itself is available for bidding online now at bonhams.com.
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Top image credit: Getty Images
