Downton Abbey’s Final Act: Costumes, Cars and Charity in Bonhams Auction
Fans of Downton Abbey will soon have a rare chance to own a piece of the much-loved period drama, as Bonhams prepares to auction off costumes, props and even the Granthams’ family car.
The auction, which runs online from 18 August to 16 September, coincides with a free public exhibition at Bonhams’ New Bond Street salerooms in London. It marks a poignant farewell ahead of the third and final Downton Abbey film, The Grand Finale, due for release this September.
Among the star lots is the wedding dress worn by Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley when she married Matthew Crawley, played by Dan Stevens. The pale apricot chiffon gown, complete with ivory satin Mary Jane shoes, a paste tiara, silk tulle veil and prop bouquet, is estimated to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000. The Granthams’ 1925 Sunbeam Saloon – one of only around 45 surviving models – will also go under the hammer with an estimate of £25,000 to £35,000.
Other highlights include Dame Maggie Smith’s dresses as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham; the bell wall from the servants’ hall; and a script from the very first episode, signed by cast members including Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Samantha Bond.
Gareth Neame, executive producer of Downton Abbey, said: “The world of Downton Abbey is beloved around the globe for its rich, timeless storytelling. These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives.”
Together for Short Lives, the UK charity benefiting from the auction proceeds, provides essential care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Carnival Films, the production company behind Downton Abbey, has generously donated a number of items to the cause.
This auction not only offers fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of television history but also highlights the importance of community and charity — a fitting tribute to a series that captured the complexities of life, both upstairs and downstairs, in early 20th-century Britain.
As the doors to Downton prepare to close, these treasured pieces promise to keep its stories alive for years to come. Across the globe, fans are increasingly eager to own a tangible piece of their favourite shows — from Game of Thrones swords to The Crown’s regal costumes — turning on-screen moments into cherished mementos that bridge fiction and reality.
The auction is available for bidding online at bonhams.com.
Photos: © Carnival Films, Bonhams Press
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.