Netflix series, Bridgerton, comes to Basildon Park showcasing props, costumes and more
The third series of Bridgerton has dropped on Netflix today (Thursday) – with Basildon Park featured as a major location.
And the estate is marking 20 years as a filming location with new exhibition, Visions Unreel, which opens in the Garden Room on May 18.
The exhibition includes props, costumes, set pieces, furniture, plus an original hand-drawn storyboard from Pride & Prejudice.
The park’s interim general manager, Sebastian Conway, said: “The location fees of filming go towards fundraising for conservation projects, and help us secure the future of this historic estate for generations to come, whilst attracting new audiences who can benefit from what Basildon Park has to offer.”
The Garden Room itself featured as the scene of the Featherington Ball in series two of Bridgerton.
Filming took place during night shoots from 8pm until 5am.
It took a week to prepare as the shoot took place in late October, while the show’s action is set during the London ‘season’, which traditionally runs from April to the end of August.
The production design team brought in around 5,000 artificial flowers to fill the rose garden with ‘summer’ blooms and added more greenery and foliage around the back of the house.
In the latest series – which was shot in a summer of drought – the parched grass had to be sprayed green.
As bats reside at Basildon Park, National Trust rangers stipulated that filming lights must be turned off at twilight and dawn.
Assistant National Trust conservator, filming and locations Sally Doran added: “The film industry is fast-paced and high-pressure.
“It’s a different pace to normal National Trust ways of working, but it’s our job to think on our feet and find creative solutions that will facilitate the film crew, whilst protecting our historic environment.”
Shoots are also supported by specialist project conservators, who help to ensure that the historic surroundings and collection items are cared for throughout filming.
The 18th-century mansion house and parkland has also featured in episodes of Downton Abbey, The Crown and The Gentlemen.
