Downton Abbey: S3 The Style and The Show

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newsworks.org/images/stories/flexicontent/l_downton-abbey-3_600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.newsworks.org/images/stories/flexicontent/l_downton-abbey-3_600x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In the Season 3 season opener (here in the States)  Carson the Butler laments "Where's the style and where's the show?". Times they are a-changing and change is coming full force to that little backwater pile in Yorkshire known as Downton Abbey. As Carson and the downstairs staff labor on to provide the same level of fabulousness of days gone by with limited staff members and financial constraints, those above stairs are also trying to keep up appearances. The big deal of this episode, which mainly served to remind us who all the characters are and their various story lines, was the long-anticipated introduction of Shirley MacLaine as Countess Cora's wealthy American mother, Martha Levinson. Mrs. L is a widow about which we really know very little other than she's fabulously wealthy, has homes in New York and Newport and the money came from tin. In the days of The Gilded Age, the original Masters of the Universe with names like Vanderbilt and Astor made their money in commodities such as steel, coal (and presumably tin), precious metals and in transportation. The summer "cottages" in Newport were palatial affairs that were often inspired by European country castles. Social customs were exacting and the grand dames were elegant, well-traveled women of good breeding and education. As a still young country, rich or no, we still looked to our European forebearers for approval and many a young American heiress was shipped off with a bundle of family cash to marry into the European nobility who was simultaneously coming to the end of their inherited fortunes. Much like our Countess Cora did when the Levinson family tin money saved Downton some thirty years prior to the story line. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/25403185369513568_YvJuyKpt_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/25403185369513568_YvJuyKpt_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />And so, we anticipated a clashing of cultures when Mrs. Levinson came to visit - especially as foil to the estimable Violet, the Dowager Countess as played by Dame Maggie Smith. These two great actresses, playing two grande dames, should have been great fun to watch, and of course they were. Where old meets new, tradition meets modernity and witty bon mots begets bitchy comeback. Ms. MacLaine didn't disappoint - except in one glaringly bad scene where she was not so much chewing the scenery, but chewing it with her mouth open, cutlery flying. There are others who can speak to manners of the day much better than I, but seeing Mrs. Levinson eating while talking, never putting down her fork or knife and generally acting fairly boorish at the dining table was really a great disappointment. It was certainly a stereotypical portrayal, one that assumes American's are ill-bread clods. It's also hard to imagine how such a bore could have raised Cora whose behavior is always modulated and appropriate. No, it really was just a ham-handed portrayal and it's a shame that either Ms. MacLaine wasn't capable of pulling off a more nuanced character or writer/co-creator Julian Fellowes simply doesn't understand his American history very well. <br /><br />Anyway, while we don't know exactly the extent of the Levinson family wealth or the size of their Newport cottage, I thought I'd take a moment to share some of the most famous addresses from the Gilded Age. Presumably, the character's back story would have had her walking these halls and dining in splendor - with her mouth closed, hands in her lap. These homes were built and decorated by the biggest names in architecture and decoration of the day, men whose work is seen on some of America's most prominent buildings across the country.<br /><br /><b>The Breakers</b>:<span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_LeftContent_MansionDescription"> (<a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/the-breakers" target="_blank">via</a>) The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America.  Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/105201341265139948_5t5uR9el_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/105201341265139948_5t5uR9el_c.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7670784744_73c9554060_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7670784744_73c9554060_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054548180_u3waFBlI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054548180_u3waFBlI_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The aerial views certainly show off the massive (65,000 sq. ft) scale of the mansion.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/66639269455772794_iX3N5Fwj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/66639269455772794_iX3N5Fwj_c.jpg" /></a><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/105201341265139948_5t5uR9el_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />If you ever have a chance, take the Cliff Walk around the water side of the mansions, it's a must-do! I did it on a very cold, New Year's day a few years go - I'd suggest a nice May day instead!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/278026976967132712_H8psxO9q_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/278026976967132712_H8psxO9q_c.jpg" /></a></div>The grand hall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054540595_Y4cuLTPp_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054540595_Y4cuLTPp_c.jpg" /></a></div>Up the grand stair case.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/5699936997909342_ryrqNsnD_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/5699936997909342_ryrqNsnD_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054606303_QcQ25HUP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054606303_QcQ25HUP_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896719_QG64KOev_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896719_QG64KOev_c.jpg" /></a></div>The morning room. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896718_9zv6AWFO_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896718_9zv6AWFO_c.jpg" /></a></div>The dining room. One assumes there are many yards of table leafs stashed somewhere. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/134756213819741691_U0x7jQkF_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/134756213819741691_U0x7jQkF_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896724_YL5afqTU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896724_YL5afqTU_c.jpg" /></a></div>The loggia overlooking the Atlantic. <br /><br /><b>Rosecliff</b>:  Designed and built between 1899 and 1902 by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White for Hermann and Tessie Oelichs. Hermann Oelichs was from a prominent Baltimore family that stretched back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Tessie's father made millions as a partner in the famed Comstock Lode gold and silver mines. The house is modeled after the Petit Trianon in Versailles and has four stories, though it gives the impression of having only two. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/225813368787518952_mIr4n1iD_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/225813368787518952_mIr4n1iD_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899947_X3txXSQ1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899947_X3txXSQ1_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/178736678933146358_3c15z6Kz_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/178736678933146358_3c15z6Kz_c.jpg" /></a></div> This a decidedly feminine structure which featured a gorgeous double curved main stair case. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/15973773647844917_TuIQiWqG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/15973773647844917_TuIQiWqG_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/251920172876176043_CxWW099l_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/251920172876176043_CxWW099l_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/rosecliff-newport-ri-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/rosecliff-newport-ri-ballroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The ballroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896732_0IcPMtUa_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045896732_0IcPMtUa_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf2zGw4CKc8rvscrWlmTJFpZSrkFeumPtO7e3KbYuQBua5T7Pe_BbP5vFKxZb3NhdxtC5EwyPigOSM6XqDBf0hGJmxjjXth2kRKqDI6WX6tV0WlY5zTagdwsqDNI69qYhnyNA6SObdnQ-/s320/rosecliff5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf2zGw4CKc8rvscrWlmTJFpZSrkFeumPtO7e3KbYuQBua5T7Pe_BbP5vFKxZb3NhdxtC5EwyPigOSM6XqDBf0hGJmxjjXth2kRKqDI6WX6tV0WlY5zTagdwsqDNI69qYhnyNA6SObdnQ-/s320/rosecliff5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045898939_r5DFX8bm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045898939_r5DFX8bm_c.jpg" /></a></div>The dining room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/rosecliff-newport-ri-dining-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/rosecliff-newport-ri-dining-room.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045900084_epON5kVd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045900084_epON5kVd_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/205617539206680278_Kqi5FHUz_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/205617539206680278_Kqi5FHUz_c.jpg" /></a></div>Rosecliffe was used in the movie The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford.<br /><br /><b>The Elms</b>: (<a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/the-elms" target="_blank">via</a>) <span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_LeftContent_MansionDescription"><span id="ctl00_cphBody_lblDescription">The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. In 1898, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a house modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris. Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades. </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/84935142942348396_CesGHtFb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/84935142942348396_CesGHtFb_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/27232772717452048_Jj3WURgQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/27232772717452048_Jj3WURgQ_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/195977021254723984_Xl2GuLHd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/195977021254723984_Xl2GuLHd_c.jpg" /></a></div>The Entrance Hall and Grand Stair<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/104849497544771722_01w9eLsy_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/104849497544771722_01w9eLsy_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/170573904607842099_K7lHngub_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/170573904607842099_K7lHngub_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/334673816028725959_X48wBzr8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/334673816028725959_X48wBzr8_c.jpg" /></a></div>The dining room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/19562579603000578_MrKwHhRa_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/19562579603000578_MrKwHhRa_c.jpg" /></a></div>The sitting room - decked out for Christmas.<br /><br /><b>The Marble House</b>: <span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_LeftContent_MansionDescription">(<a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/marble-house" target="_blank">via</a>) Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt.  It was a summer house, or "cottage", as Newporters called them in remembrance of the modest houses of the early 19th century. But Marble House was much more; it was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport's subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces. </span><span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_LeftContent_MansionDescription">The house was designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899568_bO9uRFaw_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899568_bO9uRFaw_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/134263632612705943_fm8DUpZS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/134263632612705943_fm8DUpZS_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899558_emP6eFij_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899558_emP6eFij_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/96334879501156806_ZqNxKpIJ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/96334879501156806_ZqNxKpIJ_c.jpg" /></a></div>The Grand Stair<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/69031806758214730_q7b9zC52_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/69031806758214730_q7b9zC52_c.jpg" /></a></div> The Dining Room<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899575_Fq2BnKtv_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899575_Fq2BnKtv_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899520_MVpRBCXL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/14214555045899520_MVpRBCXL_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/69031806758214761_lxiduq3u_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/69031806758214761_lxiduq3u_c.jpg" /></a></div>The Ballroom (isn't the herringbone floor to die for??)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/marble-house-alva-vanderbilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/marble-house-alva-vanderbilt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Alva Vanderbilt's bedroom<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/marble-house-chinese-tea-house-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://www.newportmansions.org/images/sections/marble-house-chinese-tea-house-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Alva's Chinese Tea House on a bluff overlooking the ocean. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></b></span>dditional links for Downton Abbey:<br /><br /> <ul><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-o3Vgznvv-BBDc9BoOMHh0kvVQXCVr09wYzq0NJrCKBXXKZTQRVzSHwvsuIvRFF9Ap-TSwccYBSH3H4uhY4bxg2RJi3l_nH_99MyxIVvKGaI5XqvbHxL8Kjf87sZnFKy1DW4vmaZclU/s1600/Pinterest+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-o3Vgznvv-BBDc9BoOMHh0kvVQXCVr09wYzq0NJrCKBXXKZTQRVzSHwvsuIvRFF9Ap-TSwccYBSH3H4uhY4bxg2RJi3l_nH_99MyxIVvKGaI5XqvbHxL8Kjf87sZnFKy1DW4vmaZclU/s1600/Pinterest+logo.jpg" /></a> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">V</span></b>isit my <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/downton-abbey-the-newport-connection/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey Board for Newport Mansions</a> for additional images, links and credits for all of the above above.</li></ul><ul><li><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>y friend Vic of Jane Austen's World blog has a wonderful post on the <a href="http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/downton-abbey-season-3-1920s-fashions/" target="_blank">fashions of the 1920</a>'s. </li></ul><ul><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_-QfN6CMAAgEtF.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_-QfN6CMAAgEtF.jpg:large" width="320" /></a><li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span>om and Lorenzo are covering the show again in their fabulously opinionated fashion Here's their recap of Episode One - <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2013/01/downton-abbey-let-me-call-you-sweetheart.html" target="_blank">Let Me Call You Sweetheart</a>.  </li><li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>G</b></span></span>otham Tomato, aka Deborah Gilbert, blogs on <a href="http://www.thirteen.org/program-content/downton-dish-season-3-episode-1/" target="_blank">The Downton Dish</a> for New York PBS affiliate WNET. </li><li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span>eason 3, Episode One is available online <a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/2322846575?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=channel&utm_campaign=PBS" target="_blank">here</a>. </li><li><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>his is what I need for DA watching.  >></li></ul><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project (Downton Abbey sized or perhaps slightly smaller!), I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Downton Abbey: S3 The Style and The Show

In the Season 3 season opener (here in the States)  Carson the Butler laments "Where's the style and where's the show?". T...

Read more »

Downton Abbey: Nothing Succeeds Like Excess

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/homeimages/umbrella_bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/homeimages/umbrella_bg.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><br />Yes, it's finally back! After a nearly year long wait, we in the States will FINALLY get to see the next installment of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/" target="_blank">DOWNTON ABBEY on PBS</a>. It's already aired in the UK and some of us (cough cough) may have already seen the series in its entirety. It's exciting and better than Season 2, which went a little off kilter, imho. But, as Shirley MacLaine's Mrs. Levinson says "Downton still stands" and so it does. The costumes, the upstairs and downstairs dramas and of course, the house. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOXUTPaNHaOYUhgJVcPp5Ci_xasUYXUKtQ1LyVhIzE_Qbs1D0AGeggDLhQQZ_F-e75XrCqaQJGpKeXfoeZqBgLXWGUdOn-INcTVks5C5sTQZziOhH-x6poQYtGT1rOq2PIEV8VE8pPTzh/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOXUTPaNHaOYUhgJVcPp5Ci_xasUYXUKtQ1LyVhIzE_Qbs1D0AGeggDLhQQZ_F-e75XrCqaQJGpKeXfoeZqBgLXWGUdOn-INcTVks5C5sTQZziOhH-x6poQYtGT1rOq2PIEV8VE8pPTzh/s640/IMG_2111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZnTwNGjVTvO7hIQeYiGg0EHdLkpaxltSJGdNkdcFcAoPp-LGffK68LrrdcTwq4da8nK1HWn3N7aCmq16ZjhrbChD8JiLLqkr7Sk9GGr6VAs5GY08937-wxGwoa38SsC-Vn5C_iI8Ec_G/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZnTwNGjVTvO7hIQeYiGg0EHdLkpaxltSJGdNkdcFcAoPp-LGffK68LrrdcTwq4da8nK1HWn3N7aCmq16ZjhrbChD8JiLLqkr7Sk9GGr6VAs5GY08937-wxGwoa38SsC-Vn5C_iI8Ec_G/s640/IMG_2110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've seen it before, but the drawing room really is a stunner. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYLm6ExCCYJaoQRCU6cRHnL3Bw4wsacs4vpJcMxxqkPcw9tq0sD4nUk4bdm6kZkU83giVFSFIG-5dA9gxtPcdUVmRnxgtUnxKEZggSm-f6xqIx-VvfKDhkrgtoF6UAsOMFxBLlfvEKoUS/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYLm6ExCCYJaoQRCU6cRHnL3Bw4wsacs4vpJcMxxqkPcw9tq0sD4nUk4bdm6kZkU83giVFSFIG-5dA9gxtPcdUVmRnxgtUnxKEZggSm-f6xqIx-VvfKDhkrgtoF6UAsOMFxBLlfvEKoUS/s640/IMG_2109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Downton, err Highclere Castle, in winter. <br /><br />The real Downton, Highclere Castle, has 200-some rooms. Some have never been featured in the show even though they are really spectacular and there are many small details that we can't see in the camera angles. Here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT1eYF6Do8_O5ZGxvZUKt9KCoedh1VJx2RHRtmDskce8-QOz4Cd6M2d7_qx19l6Z76p1RAv5e0r1ziDT6mKbnhzOxwyj0GZL0-8HoD9_EbJ-RPzL2bYXA7KIvgSakV9sruke1MCKHfPVb/s1600/IMG_2106.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT1eYF6Do8_O5ZGxvZUKt9KCoedh1VJx2RHRtmDskce8-QOz4Cd6M2d7_qx19l6Z76p1RAv5e0r1ziDT6mKbnhzOxwyj0GZL0-8HoD9_EbJ-RPzL2bYXA7KIvgSakV9sruke1MCKHfPVb/s640/IMG_2106.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86wZa3Hnlvj61Io-9nYmJcsvMAaU8OEi6PfBfZ23x5WYndGHBz9ZGrxqR66Jh-ozU0IpzArdEJl5y8vfnpbL4QeGqTSaflxLry1XJun8fK-YXI8UNw5Pi8iyHZgdSa1xbEQV1usAboNt2/s1600/IMG_2107.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86wZa3Hnlvj61Io-9nYmJcsvMAaU8OEi6PfBfZ23x5WYndGHBz9ZGrxqR66Jh-ozU0IpzArdEJl5y8vfnpbL4QeGqTSaflxLry1XJun8fK-YXI8UNw5Pi8iyHZgdSa1xbEQV1usAboNt2/s640/IMG_2107.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCadCnIaC-Ir8mqckw4gWXPznfv80YMy2VW3bXoZ4VWOs88aRv3TF6FgzOSoXg2q0VeQ7fY4i3Gvlx1FfzkBp0wcz4Sx_Exnp-taqCiZTUpPqxlbCb4kiLkwrpsmH56jzBP49jFAIg10F2/s1600/IMG_2108.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCadCnIaC-Ir8mqckw4gWXPznfv80YMy2VW3bXoZ4VWOs88aRv3TF6FgzOSoXg2q0VeQ7fY4i3Gvlx1FfzkBp0wcz4Sx_Exnp-taqCiZTUpPqxlbCb4kiLkwrpsmH56jzBP49jFAIg10F2/s640/IMG_2108.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTK8lIgdd5-DFu71XCqJvJD0HO9hOGwohTc40qEC-903JqemUrzhL_pXz7sccLT9lEg5bsSM4bSZAfpeYErgxINUCFmJ23kB2q53R918ssW5NnvHu9CQrdWRb6Vy8ElMRacdMwgM9w8Oh/s1600/IMG_2105.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTK8lIgdd5-DFu71XCqJvJD0HO9hOGwohTc40qEC-903JqemUrzhL_pXz7sccLT9lEg5bsSM4bSZAfpeYErgxINUCFmJ23kB2q53R918ssW5NnvHu9CQrdWRb6Vy8ElMRacdMwgM9w8Oh/s640/IMG_2105.PNG" width="532" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGhpduQmd2wjnEsBUOoWlFwVoileRsPR9srOv9Riga3Z90hPCXDJ7YK4ZkjSn_9dXUmVNrq1gYff_DsgrPIL5wogUry5iCSlWApQLUgZBzBnZ1cUjnAHObXKtf6aEHQrwuz-OUz6FgRIp/s1600/IMG_2104.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGhpduQmd2wjnEsBUOoWlFwVoileRsPR9srOv9Riga3Z90hPCXDJ7YK4ZkjSn_9dXUmVNrq1gYff_DsgrPIL5wogUry5iCSlWApQLUgZBzBnZ1cUjnAHObXKtf6aEHQrwuz-OUz6FgRIp/s640/IMG_2104.PNG" width="542" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Above images courtesy of <a href="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Highclere Castle</a></span>. <br /><br />While I have, in fact, seen the entire Season 3, including the Christmas Special, I will not post any spoilers and hope no one else does either. And if you don't wish the story to be spoiled, don't do too much Google image searching - that gives away a lot of detail as well. I will say that in this day of the internet and social media - it is well neigh impossible for these broadcasts to be aired months apart (it airs in the Fall in the UK) without it all getting out there before the US airing. I think WGBH/PBS/Masterpiece just needs to negotiate simultaneous broadcast rights like BBC America did with Dr. Who.  Makes sense to me. <br /><br />Will you be watching? I'll probably be hanging out on Twitter tonight at <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DowntonAbbey&src=savs" target="_blank">#DowntonAbbey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DowntonPBS&src=savs" target="_blank">#DowtonPBS</a><br /><br />I've extensively blogged on the set design in past seasons, which you can see <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Downton%20Abbey" target="_blank">here</a>. And check back here each week as I'll try to include links to several blogging buddies who cover the show - including the costumes, manners and social customs of the times, etc. <br /><br />xxooL <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Downton Abbey: Nothing Succeeds Like Excess

Yes, it's finally back! After a nearly year long wait, we in the States will FINALLY get to see the next installment of DOWNTON ABBEY on...

Read more »