Downton Abbey (2011) - filming begins!

Season 2 of Downton Abbey has begun filming and we have a few new details. [Expected airdates ~September 2011 on ITV in UK, January 2012 on PBS in USA]

"The bloody military conflict will lead to personal tragedy for both masters and servants alike and will mean life in the great house will never be the same again." It will also lead to the arrival of several dashing and eligible young officers who will break hearts and further complicate the tangled love lives of the three Crawley sisters.

The drama is expected to remain at Downton Abbey, and not on the battlefields, as earlier indicated by Julian Fellowes.

Some close to the production say the new series will draw on events that actually took place at Highclere Castle, which became a military hospital between 1914 and 1916. A source said: ‘It wouldn’t be right to say Downton becomes a military hospital but there are similarities between what happened at Highclere at what happens at Downton.’ [source]

Amy Nuttall, is one of the new cast members, playing housemaid Ethel Parks.

Express.co.uk:
“When I glimpsed Highclere for the first time it was breathtaking. It’s even more gorgeous and beautiful in real life. It’s so big but the cameras make it look bigger still.”

Amy said everyone went out of their way to make her feel relaxed and welcome. She said: “I was in the first scene of the first day of the shoot and I was working with Dame Maggie Smith. I couldn’t believe it. It was Ethel’s first day, as well as mine, so I could show my nerves, it’s allowed.”

Elizabeth and Hugh on set

Wonder if Ethel the maid will sing? Here's a video of Amy Nuttall singing...

Note: Regarding scheduling of PBS Masterpiece.

Some, including myself, have wondered why we have to wait in North America to see Downton Abbey when it will air in the fall in the UK. PBS has 3 distinct seasons of programming so Downton falls into their winter and spring slot.

Summer - Masterpiece Mystery! (best British mysteries)
Fall - Masterpiece Contemporary (modern dramas)
Winter & Spring - Masterpiece Classic (period dramas)
(Their "winter" starts in January)

Photos: ITV Press Centre

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Antique Jewellery - Gallery #1

Ahh, blame it on Downton Abbey again, as I've now become distracted with the jewellery of the Edwardian era (and earlier). I wonder if the popularity of the ITV series will see a resurgence of antique jewellery and fashions in the retail sector. One can only hope! I recall during my teen years, Victorian fashion was all the rage and I could walk into almost any store and find blouses of lace that took me back in time!

I found this choker (similar to the one worn by Lady Mary) advertised with the droll description "Victorian Regency Civil War Edwardian Choker" - covering all their bases I see! The reproduction necklace sells for $24 on auctiondose.com.

Some of the jewellery worn by the ladies of Downton

Here are just a few examples of antique jewellery (real & reproduction) found online. I've not even explored etsy yet!

Faux pearl choker (repro - $32)

Victorian cameo brooch (repro - $10)

Victorian cameo pendant (repro - $10)

Victorian cameo oval pendant (repro - $12)


* * * * * * * * * *

The following items were found at The Three Graces
(The site sells rare antique jewelry, fine period and estate jewelry
and gives great background information on each piece)


What about a pair of cufflinks for Lord Crawley's collection?

Anglo-Indian cufflinks (circa 1900 - $1885)


Peridot Pearl Necklace (circa 1910 - $2350)

Antique Diamond Ring (circa 1910 - $2750)

Edwardian Pearl & Amethyst Pendant (circa 1900 - $1450)

Carved Pearl, Sapphire, Moonstone Pendant (circa 1900 - $3950)

Butterfly pendant (2-sided) (circa 1900, sale pending)

Ruby & Diamond Bracelet (circa 1900 - $1850)

Hand Painted Porcelain Cherub Pendant (circa 1900 - $1475)

Victorian Cherub Fringe Earrings (circa 1870 - $5450)

19th Century French Cameo Drop Earrings (circa 1860 - $2875)

Georgian Diamond Drop Earrings (circa 1790-1800, $9850)

Multi Colored Brooch & Pendant (circa 1830 - $1450)

Georgian Sévigné Pendant Brooch (circa 1750 - $4250)

Georgian Cameo Brooch & Earrings (circa 1830 - $7450)

Early Diamond Baroque Pendant (circa 1680-1720, $8250)

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Downton Abbey - behind-the-scenes video

Just hearing the soundtrack by John Lunn makes me sentimental for the folks from Downton Abbey! Here's a video about its production...

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Downton Abbey Art Gallery

Imagining the family portraits that might grace the walls of Downton Abbey...

In order to deal with Downton withdrawal, I "commissioned" some paintings of favourite characters portrayed by: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jessica Brown-Findlay, Penelope Wilton, Dan Stevens, Brendan Coyle, Jessica Froggatt, Phyllis Logan, Allen Leech and Rose Leslie. (Thomas and O'Brien were too finicky to take the time to pose.)

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