2 October 2014
Downton Abbey costumes star in new exhibition
Elegance and glamour at the Lady Lever Art Gallery
A stylish new exhibition showcases ten exquisite outfits created for ITV's Downton Abbey
television series.
Glamorous gowns worn by much-loved characters, including the Dowager Countess of
Grantham, Lady Mary and Lady Grantham, are among those on display in Style from the Small
Screen at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from 10 October to 18 January 2015.
You are invited to a media preview at 11am on Wednesday 8 October 2014 at the Lady
Lever Art Gallery. Curator of Costume and Textiles, Pauline Rushton is available for
interviews and photographs.
Blurring the lines between fiction and reality, the exhibition compares costumes from the hit TV
programme with historic garments from 1912-1923, drawn from National Museums Liverpool’s
own collection. Featuring two dresses never shown before and one outfit from the Tinne
collection, the original dresses are glamorous and glitzy examples of a new era in women’s
fashion.
The Downton Abbey costumes are all produced by Cosprop, a leading costumier to TV, film
and stage. The fine detail and workmanship of the costumes gives some fascinating insight into
the effort and eye for detail required to create a convincing sense of time and place in period
dramas.
The display also looks at the evolving tastes at the turn of the 20th Century. From the more
demure late Victorian style of Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess of Grantham character, to the
more daring glamour of the start of the 'roaring 20s', the costumes mirror some of the major
changes in society.
Curator of Costume and Textiles, Pauline Rushton said: “Cosprop’s costumes created for
Downton Abbey are fabulously detailed and a 'must-see' for any fans of the programme, who
will be thrilled to be able to get a close look at costumes worn by their favourite characters.
“They also provide a great springboard for the 'real thing' from our own collection. Dazzling
evening gowns made from rich fabrics and glittering sequins and glass beads are thrilling
examples of the escapism fashion could offer those who could afford it, as well as an indication
of changing attitudes in society."
Contact Laura Johnson - Media Officer
e laura.johnson@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk t 0151 478 4752 f 0151 478 4777
National Museums Liverpool,127 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2JH
w liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Follow us: Twitter: : www.twitter.com/nml_press
2 October 2014
About National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues, including some of the most visited museums in England
outside of London. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything
from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic.
We attract more than 3 million visitors every year. Our venues are the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the
Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Border Force National Museum,
Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery houses one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art. It has the best
collection of Wedgwood jasperware anywhere in the world and its collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings is
internationally renowned.
Lady Lever Art Gallery Port Sunlight Village, Wirral L62 5EQ
Admission FREE
Open 10am-5pm every day
Information 0151 478 4136
Website www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/leverartgallery
Facebook www.facebook.com/ladyleverartgallery
Contact Laura Johnson - Media Officer
e laura.johnson@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk t 0151 478 4752 f 0151 478 4777
National Museums Liverpool,127 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2JH
w liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Follow us: Twitter: : www.twitter.com/nml_press