Basildon Park stars in new movie Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Six original costumes from the upcoming film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will be displayed for visitors to view at Basildon Park from September 6 to 14.
The final movie in the Downton Abbey series, which arrives in cinemas on September 12, features almost all of Basildon Park’s reception rooms, including the Hall, Dining Room and Drawing Room, as well as the Octagon Room with its famous dark red walls.
The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s.
As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter with the next generation at the helm.
Basildon Park, in Lower Basildon, once again reprises its role as the interior of the Crawleys’ London residence, Grantham House.
The six costumes on display at Basildon Park will include Lady Mary’s iconic red dress worn at the Petersfield Ball.
The colour for the bias-cut gown with dramatic back and wrapped sash was sampled many times in the dye room before the perfect shade was selected.
Cora’s blue velvet gown from the ball will also be on display, along with Lady Edith and Lady Mary’s 1930s day dresses from a scene in the film where they’re out shopping.
Carson and Mrs Hughes’ formal evening uniforms complete the set, designed by costume designer to Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Anna Mary Scott Robbins.
Basildon Park’s historic interiors were first used as the set for Grantham House, the London home of the aristocratic Crawley family in the TV series, which is mainly set at Highclere Castle.
Grantham house was also a key location for the 2013 Christmas special when the family was preparing for Lady Rose’s coming out ball in London.
The crew then returned to Basildon Park for the series five finale, when Grantham House was at the heart of Lady Rose’s wedding to Atticus Aldridge.
Basildon Park general manager Sebastian Conway said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome visitors to Basildon Park to experience the elegance and craftsmanship of the principal costumes from Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It’s a real privilege to showcase this exhibition in the very location where the film was brought to life, and we look forward to sharing this special connection with our visitors.”
Basildon Park, an 18th-century house sitting in 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens, was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s.
They brought the house back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and Old Master paintings before gifting it to the National Trust in 1978.
