Charity auction of Downton Abbey's film set props and costumes exceeds initial predictions
In an exciting turn of events, items from the beloved TV series Downton Abbey have raised over £1.7 million at a charity auction held by Bonhams. The auction, which ran online from August 18 to September 14, featured a wide range of props, costumes, and memorabilia from the series and its latest film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
The highlight of the auction was Lady Mary's wedding dress, which sold for £21,760, and Maggie Smith's character Violet Crawley's walking cane, which fetched £28,160. Another significant sale was the 'bell wall', a servant's call system, which sold for an impressive £216,300.
Gareth Neame, CEO of Carnival Films, expressed his delight, stating that the Bonhams auction has exceeded expectations. Charlie Thomas from Bonhams also shared his enthusiasm, expressing that every lot was sold, and final prices surpassed expectations.
The TV series Downton Abbey, created by Julian Fellowes, first aired in the UK in 2010 and spanned six highly successful seasons on the small screen. The series tells the story of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants over a 30-year period, capturing the hearts of more than 120 million viewers worldwide, according to Bonhams.
The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the UK children's charity Together for Short Lives. This donation comes at a significant time, as the new release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is currently number one in the UK and Ireland box office.
The Bonhams auction also included a 'special exhibition' in London where fans could view items from the series, and it marked the release of the third film - Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Other items up for sale included Lord and Lady Grantham's 1925 Sunbeam saloon car, which sold for £172,500, and the clapper board used in the production of Downton Abbey: A New Era, which fetched £9,600.
The actor who played the role of Matthew Crawley in the TV series from 2010 to 2015 was Dan Stevens. The series may have come to an end on the small screen, but its legacy continues to live on, both on the big screen and through this charitable auction.
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