“Downton is a great house, Mr. Bates and the Crawley’s are a great Family. We live my certain standards and those standards may seem daunting.” – Mr. Carson
For five years the Crawley family and their staff graced television screens around the world. Writer Julien Fellows created the world of Downton Abbey were we fell in love with the family and the downstairs staff. The order and chaos of downstairs led by the trusty Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. We followed the family through trials of the Titanic, World War I, love and marriage and so much more.
If you haven’t seen Downton Abbey, I highly encourage you to do so (it is on Amazon Prime). I am a huge Downton fan, was so sad when the last episode aired in the United States. This past October it was announced that a Downton Abbey Exhibition would be coming to New York City. Needless to say I had to go and see the costumes and sets in person! Finally the end of January there was time in my busy schedule to go. A three-day girls trip was planned to New York City.
The Downton Abbey Exhibition transports visitors back to Edwardian England and the memories of watching the show. Every little detail has been thought of, the first doorway the visitors walk through is a green door (and those who watched the know how the door separates upstairs from downstairs). The back staircase where many scenes with servants take place.
The servant quarters have been expertly rebuilt in Midtown Manhattan. Mrs. Patmore’s domain of the kitchen where she spent most of her time with her Assistant Cook Daisy feels as though they have just stepped out. The Servants hall is complete with the bell wall used to signal when servants were needed upstairs. Mrs. Hughes’ keys even make an appearance. Has head housekeeper she had the keys and worked as peacekeeper between all the staff.
While touring downstairs of Downton, I was able to take a quiz and see what job a Downton I would be most suited for. I got Cook, just like Mrs. Patmore! When my response came my mother just laughed (those who know me, know I am no great cook). I think I will keep my day job.
Most of the second and third floor of the exhibit was dedicated to the Crawley family and their clothes. Throughout the entire series the clothing was absolutely beautiful and seeing the dresses in person was even more than I could have imagined.
Of course all the wedding dresses were there as well.
Needless to say being a part of the Downton experience even if just for a few hours was a dream come true. And one I would gladly relive as well.
For more information about the Downton Abbey Exhibition in New York City visit: https://www.downtonexhibition.com
Exploring the History 