Oh, sweet goodness – the anticipation was worth the wait!
Months after the expertly seamed conclusion of one of my all-time favorite television series, I was finally able to feel the grandeur of Downton Abbey’s exquisite costuming at Chicago’s Dreihaus Museum’s exhibit, Dressing Downton: Changing Fashions for Changing Times.
My dear friend, Bev, and I were fortunate to be able to enter the Dreihaus Museum and quickly purchase our entry. We leisurely wandered through the exhibit, with knowledgeable staff directing us so seamlessly through the rooms that I imagined Mrs. Hughs hidden behind the curtains orchestrating it all.
These period costumes with their historical accuracy and styling, bejeweled and draped, were nothing short of magnificent. Whether intricately embroidered with flowers or capped with feathers and jewels, it was easy to slip into the London Season of the early 20th Century, or a nurse’s uniform with Lady Sybil.
I was as in awe of the craftsmanship of the costumes as I was of the sleek figures of the actors who wore these period clothes.
Characters always look larger than life on a screen, even a television screen. Becoming so intimately aware of their actual physical size is amazing. I had a renewed appreciation for the seamstresses and costume designers, as I did for those who spend an inordinate amount of time researching period dress. While Downton Abbey is a fictional story, it depicts specific decades, with the mores, customs, historical background, and issues of the times. It was enlightening to see this exhibit and the clothes and adornments of the characters which so beautifully illustrate the time period.
This was a breathtaking exhibit, in the company of a dear friend, inside a historic turn-of-the-century mansion on the world renowned Gold Coast of Chicago.
Crikey!
Oh! I almost forgot the Dowager . . .
Like a bad penny I have returned, after being offline for three weeks. Very long story. Anyway, thank you for these photos. Downton Abbey is such a well-done series. Wonderful clothes and characters! Would love to see that exhibit.
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I’ve been wondering about you, L. Marie, and relieved to see your return. Welcome back. It was well done, wasn’t it? The costuming is magnificent and it was my first visit to the Driehaus, which is equally magnificent.
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What a treat to experience these beautiful works of art in such a lovely, historic setting! Up close, you could truly admire all of the delicate details of each piece. Throughout the series, I was always smitten with those lovely hats! I’m so happy that you could visit this very special exhibit, dear Penny! You will be smiling for a very, very long time! Thank you for bringing us along! ♡
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The hats are even more impressive up close, Dawn, and seeing the detailing was a rare treat. Even the men’s costumes were stunning. I admire the creativity in these pieces.
You are most welcome.
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The characters Downton Abbey were dressed so beautifully. How wonderful to be able to see them close up.
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It was a delightful time seeing the clothing up close, Gerlinde. I loved every minute of the exhibit.
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Sigh. I would give just about anything to see this! And now I feel like I have been there. You know how enamored I was with DA. Thanks so much for the journey with you and your friend.
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I was hoping you would see these costumes, Marilyn; each and every one is splendid, even the gentlemen’s clothes. I was rather surprised at how much thinner male actors were – and how tall Tom is. At any rate, this exhibit is nothing short of exquisite.
You are most welcome, Marilyn.
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What a thrill to see the costumes Penny! I would love to run my hands through those silky fabrics.
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It was a thrill, indeed, Juliet. We were blocked from getting within a hand’s touch, but, boy-oh-boy, was I tempted to reach out. I can only imagine wearing one- (and prefer not to think about the punishing restraints of the undergarments.
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Oh Penny! How wonderful! I, too would have loved this exhibit. There were times when the costumes were so gorgeous they almost distracted me. What a delightful day and it’s going to be a very long time before those of us who loved Downton find anything we enjoy as much! I don’t know if you’ve ever listened to the Masterpiece Theater podcast, but one of them included an interview with one of the costume designers. If you haven’t found the podcasts, you just must! They’re right up your alley! 🙂
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Debra, I think it is coming to the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim! It may be the next stop for this amazing exhibit. You might want to check there. You would love this, I am certain.
I felt the same way about the costumes. I kept wanting to see them again and again while watching Downton Abbey. I did listen to part Masterpiece Theater’s podcasts and loved hearing about the costumes. We were actually given, as part of our entry fee, a radio type piece that we could type in the number of each exhibition room, which had a recording of the costumes in each room. It was quite similar, and so very, very interesting. I am so glad we able to see this. 🙂
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Wonderful to see these beautiful costumes.
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They really are magnificent, Sallie. Hope all is well with you.
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Oh my, this is another event that I intended to go to, but didn’t. I’m glad I was able to visit vicariously through your blog post. Thank you for posting the pictures and write-up. I love that show too and am watching the shows on DVD.
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I’m glad you stopped by, Susan, and could see a few of the costumes here. It was a fabulous exhibit. I look forward to seeing repeat episodes and appreciate the show even more. 🙂
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I hope you were able to enjoy the Dreihouse Museum too, wonderful place and they have changing exhibits. I was there with Sandy B. for a stained glass exhibit after we read Tiffany’s book. The D.A. dresses are beautiful.
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I did enjoy the museum as well, Sharon. The costumes fit right into the magnificent Dreihouse. I remember you going after that book discussion. Life is grand! 🙂
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Oh, those costumes look divine! I’ve never seen Downton Abbey (perhaps I should!) as I’m sure that just looking at the costumes and scenery would be enough to make me drool. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
This is my first time on your blog. I got here through a link about a book by Louisa May Alcott a while back. She’s one of my favorite authors! I’m reading some of her books this month actually.
Anyways, I think I’ll start following along with your blog, as I’m sure we have many common interests. 🙂
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Welcome to the Cutoff and thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
I love LMA as well. You might enjoy watching the Downton Abbey. It is such a well done period piece and yes, the costumes are exquisite and sometimes distracting, in a nice sort of way.
I hope to see you here again.
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Exquisite! We don’t know how to dress like they did. The craftsmanship is so intricate. Thanks for sharing!
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If ever the chance to see these costumes presents itself to you. JSGreen, take it if at all possible. As beautiful as the costumes are on screen, they are even more so “up close and personal”. I agree. We don’t know how to dress like they did. You are most welcome and I think you for commenting.
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