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Dressing Downton: Part Two

Continuing with a glimpse at the “Dressing Downton” exhibit, this is  one of Sybil’s maternity dresses. (The last of the “everyday” outfits.)

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Now, for some more gowns.  In this case, those worn by Lady Cora and Lady Rose at her presentation to the court.

Here’s Lady Cora’s, which features vintage beading on the bodice and shoulders.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And this is Lady Rose’s gown.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

When I saw this episode I thought the fluffy head pieces were rather ridiculous looking. However, the sign (shown above) explains that these were required, along with a train and the carrying of either a bouquet or flowers.

I saw a recent movie about Queen Elizabeth and the court presentation scene (in the 1960s) showed similar ostrich feather head dresses.  Perhaps it continues today?

Moving to the end of the series, this is the outfit worn by Lady Cora at Edith’s wedding.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These are just a few of the costumes on display as part of this exhibit.  It’s well worth  a visit, if you get the chance.

Ellen Lindner

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Dressing Downton: Part One

Are you a Downton Abbey fan?  I am, big time!  So, I was very excited to see “Dressing Downton,” an exhibit of many of the outfits worn on the show.  It’s currently on display at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL, which is a show-stopping setting in its own right.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

It was originally the Alcazar hotel, built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It was a wonderful backdrop for these period costumes.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Clothing was showcased in vignettes, with wonderful signs explaining each outfit and how it was used in the series.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can see, the lighting was dim (similar to the period, I imagine,) and flash photography was not allowed. The clothing above was worn for the hospital charity ball.

This sign explained several of the wardrobe conventions of the day.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

But, let’s back up to episode 1: the outfit Lady Mary wore to dinner when she met the infamous Turkish diplomat.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Weren’t you hooked after that episode?  Who could look away?

Also, from season one, check out the dowager’s bustle.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And a footman’s outfit/livery.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

There was very informative signage explaining not only the fashions of the day, but the customs, as well.  Read more about footmen below.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Of course, country pursuits were also depicted.  This shows one of Lady Mary’s riding habits.  Check out that side saddle. I wouldn’t want to try it.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And then there was hunting.  These two garments were from the scene when Richard Carlisle went hunting with the family.  His outfit was on the left and Lord Granthams on the right.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Weren’t you a little bit happy when Sir Richard over dressed and was too hot in this dapper outfit? Even his boots were dandy!

Speaking of outdoor pursuits, here’s Edith’s farming outfit.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Of course, she didn’t own an outfit for the purpose of farming, so this sign explains that one was “cobbled together.”

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

It was all very interesting.

Ellen Lindner

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Downton Abbey Party

Are you a Downton Abbey fan?  I AM!  Big time.  So, when the series ended, I decided to throw a viewing party for the finale.  Of course, there would be tea and china, and flowers as well.  I had great fun deciding on the menu and prepping the table.

Downton Abbey finale party. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com

The menu included hot tea with milk, a cold tea and fruit punch, and (starting at the back of the top and going clockwise:) cheesecake tarts with lemon curd garnish, chocolate covered strawberries, two types of open faced sandwiches – cream cheese with salmon, cream cheese with veggies and cheddar – chocolate cake, dates stuffed with pecans and rolled in sugar, and fresh fruit.  What a  feast!  I thought it looked quite decadent, if I do say so myself.

The table linens, place settings, serving pieces, and even the flower vase are all either inherited pieces or wedding gifts.   I just added place cards saying, for example, “Lady Ellen.”

Downton Abbey finale party. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com

My friends came an hour before the final episode started and we enjoyed all the delicacies.

Downton Abbey finale party. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com

The first thing I heard about the Downton Abbey series was how wonderful the costumes were.  And they are, aren’t they?  I knew that some of my ancestors shared a similar lifestyle prior to the depression, and I just recently received tangible evidence of that.  My mom presented my sister and I with 7 evening bags that were used by her mother and her grandmothers.  The box was labeled (by a great grandmother, we think) with the dates 1910-1930, so I put them out as part of my party decorations.

And just take a look.  Aren’t they incredible?

Downton Abbey finale party. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com

 These are quite small.  The blue one on the left is about palm sized and the largest one is about 5 x 6 inches.  I guess they’re just supposed to be big enough for a handkerchief.  Three of them are sort of like chain mail and they’re slightly transparent.  I’d never seen any like this before.

On first glance, the others appear beaded, but only the blue one really is.  The others are made of shiny colored links that make up the pattern.

The gold cylinders above hold fountain pens.

Downton Abbey finale party. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com

My sister and I have to figure out how to preserve or use these.  I think the largest one is viable as an evening bag today.  Watch out: you might see me sporting it at some art opening.

Of course, I can’t finish this post without mentioning the actual final episode.  Wasn’t it satisfying?  I LOVED it.

Ellen Lindner

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