Since Nelson and Nelson is in the business of buying and selling antique silver and jewelry, we always turn an eager eye to the manner in which people and their surroundings are decorated in lavish period pieces--which is to say we loved Downton Abbey, the PBS miniseries that follows the lives of an aristocratic family in England on the brink of World War I.
Now, while those of us in North America must wait until January, Series Two of Downton Abbey is already airing in the UK, and this very interesting article from the Daily Mail discusses the painstaking process of selecting props for each episode, which costs over 2 million dollars to produce!
"Each crystal glass is an antique from the era, as are the silver candlesticks, salt cellars and other condiment dishes. Some of the most stunning props actually belong at Highclere Castle, where Downton is filmed. Many others are sourced by the production team.
‘I travel the world to get the best prices for props,’ says art director Charmian Woods."
May we suggest that the Downton Abbey production team take a look at some of our exquisite (and nicely priced) Edwardian items?
This sterling silver mounted cut glass decanter was made by the silversmithing firm of Edward Streeter, London, in 1902. The cut glass body is cut in a hobnail motif with 4 heart shaped sections, and the silver lid, collar and handle are repousse and chased with floral, scroll and foliate motifs. This decanter would look fabulous at one of the lavish dinner parties hosted by the Earl and Countess of Grantham! For more information, click here.
This is a pristine Edward VII period sterling silver cherub embossed dresser tray made in Birmingham, England 1906. The tray is fully hallmarked with the maker's mark RP, sterling standard town mark and date letter. The center of the tray is embossed and engraved with a winged female caressing a child amidst clouds. Perhaps a lovely item for chambers of Lady Mary? For more information, click here.
This American Edwardian oval-shaped platinum brooch is decorated with a decorative figural bow and inlaid with small brilliant cut diamonds interspersed with strokes of inlaid emeralds. It would look wonderful on one of the American Crawley heiresses! For more information, click here.