A Last Curtain Call for Downton Abbey
For fifteen years, audiences have been welcomed through the grand doors of Downton Abbey, following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their devoted staff. The series, spanning six seasons and two films, is an intricate portrait of an era in transition — where war, social change, and technological innovation reshaped British life. Now, with a third and final film arriving this September, the landmark production is bidding its ultimate farewell.
Downton Abbey Auction Image. Credit: Bonhams Press.
Before the final credits roll, Bonhams will open the doors once more — this time to an exhibition and auction of Downton Abbey’s costumes, props, and set pieces. Running from 18 August to 16 September, the free public exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street, London, will offer a rare opportunity to see these pieces up close before they pass into private hands.
Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil) - Harem Pant Prop Costume Season 1, Episode 4.
From Lady Mary’s elegant wedding gown and bouquet (Season 3, Episode 1) to Lady Sybil’s daring harem pants ensemble (Season 1, Episode 4), each item tells a story stitched into the fabric of the early 20th century. Dame Maggie Smith’s costumes as the formidable Violet Crawley — a light pink day dress and a dark grey day dress from Season 6 — speak to the subtlety and precision of the show’s award-winning costume design. Even the debutante glamour of Lady Rose’s “Coming Out” ball gown (Series 4) captures a fleeting moment of a world in flux.
Lesley Nicol (as Mrs. Patmore) - Various Cook Costumes and Pinafores will be up for auction.
The series’ visual richness is no accident. As Philippa Stockley writes in Bonhams Magazine, Downton embraced the details — from the switch from pocket watches to wristwatches during the First World War, to the arrival of sewing machines, gramophones, and motor cars. Every garment, every prop was part of the story, rooting the drama in its historical moment while enchanting viewers across the globe.
Laura Carmichael (as Lady Edith) - Peach Halterneck Dress, Season 4, Episode 2.
Carnival Films, the production company behind Downton Abbey, has donated many of the lots, with proceeds benefiting Together for Short Lives, the UK’s leading charity for children with life-limiting conditions. As Executive Producer Gareth Neame notes, these “iconic set items hold a special place in that history” — and now, they will help to support families facing unimaginable challenges.
For admirers of period drama, textile craftsmanship, and design history, the upcoming auction marks a celebration of storytelling in cloth. As Carson, the beloved butler, once said, “The business of life is the acquisition of memories.” This September, Downton Abbey offers the chance to take one home.
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Further Information:
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary. Wedding Costume and wedding bouquet Season 3, Episode 1. © Carnival Films.
All other images as credited in photo captions.