Monday, June 30, 2014

Downton Abby Comes to Delaware


 

This weekend I joined my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter for a trip. We drove 3 hours north to Delaware’s Winterthur. Our purpose was to see the Downton Abby costume exhibit currently on display. The exhibit was wonderful beyond words. I have always loved making period clothing and costumes so this was a real treat. Upon entering the room was a large photo banner of the building used as the Downton Abby façade.  Many people, including ourselves, stood in front of it to have our pictures taken.

The clothing was displayed on manikins usually in groups of two to five items. A backdrop photo of the scene in which it was used was shown. Story boards explaining the process in the design or making of the item was displayed alongside. The insight to these garments is  inspiring.

When the season’s script has been completed, the costume department has 7 weeks in which to complete the entire wardrobe for the season. I find this feat amazing. The department often finds fragments of lace, fabric, etc. of the time period. Often a garment is made around the incorporation of the fragment. The colors, textures, trims can convene without words an emotion or mood of the scene. It is a science in its self. I cannot begin to pick a favorite garment. I loved them all.

The exhibit continues thru January 15, 2015, see it if you can.






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