Downton Abbey is a British historical drama which depicts the Crawley family and their domestic servants between 1912 and 1926. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) in Spokane, Washington, recently hosted a major exhibit, Dressing the Abbey, showing the clothing styles during this period. One of the displays in this exhibit featured formal dining.
Shown above is Lady Mary Crawley played by Michelle Dockery, Season 3, 1921. This scene was either cut or the dress not used.
According to the display:
“Lady Mary is fashionable even when she is pregnant. The dress has been cut to allow for her extra girth and is made in two heavily beaded pieces which helps the draped look, giving weight to the fabric.”
Shown above is Lady Mary Crawley played by Michelle Dockery, Season 2, 1920.
Shown above is Isobel Crawley played by Penelope Wilton, Season 2, 1916.
Shown above is Martha Levinson, played by Shirley MacLaine, Season 3, 1920. Martha Levinson is the American mother of Cora, Countess of Grantham.
Shown above is Matthew Crawley played by Dan Stevens, Season 1 and 2, 1912-1920.
According to the display:
“Known in the period as ‘White Tie,’ this formal suit consists of a black tail suit with cream (or white) waistcoat, white shirt with detachable wing collar and a white tie. The shoulders are more found and soft than contemporary formal suits.”
Shown above is a Stratford-on-Avon Pew Side Chair, 1898, Tiffany Studios.
More museum photo tours
Dressing Downton Abbey: Overview (photo diary)
Campbell House: The laundry (photo diary)
Campbell House: Overview (photo diary)
Fort Missoula: One-room schoolhouse (photo diary)
Museums 101: The Great Northern Railway (photo diary)
Museums 101: Montana Entanglements (art diary)
Museums 201: Dinnerware (photo diary)
Museums 201: Telephones (photo diary)
