Downton Abbey fans will be able to secure a souvenir from the period drama as costumes worn by the characters, furniture used to adorn the stately home, and even the family car used in the popular ITV series and subsequent films are to be sold at auction for charity.
A dress worn by the late Dame Maggie Smith, who starred as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, is one of the star lots.
The wedding dress Michelle Dockery wore as Lady Mary Crawley when she married Matthew Crawley, played by Dan Stevens, is also up for sale. The pale apricot chiffon long-sleeved dress comes with a pair of ivory satin Mary Jane shoes, a paste tiara and silk tulle veil and a bouquet of prop lilies, and is estimated at between £3,000-£5,000 in the online sale by the auction house Bonhams.
The Granthams’ family car, a 1925 Sunbeam Saloon, which Bonhams said was one of about 45 of the vehicles to survive, has an estimated sale price of £25,000 to £35,000. It was first seen in season two and used throughout seasons three, four and five, as well as all three films.
Even the distinctive bell wall from the servants’ hall and a large pitched pine refectory table in 18th-century style acquired for season five for the servants’ hall are among the lots. There are lady’s maid and footmen uniforms, and the butler Mr Carson’s distinctive silver pocket watch.
A script from season one, episode one, signed by cast members including Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Samantha Bond is listed for an estimated £600 to £800.
Proceeds from the auction will go to Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Gareth Neame, the show’s executive producer, 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.”
The auction is available for bidding online from Monday at bonhams.com.