[ad_1]
It has been almost two years since I returned to my homeland, thanks to Covid restrictions on both sides of the pond. This is the longest time I have been in the US since moving here over 12 years ago and while Georgia is definitely my home, I can’t help but miss England .
I was lucky enough to get a taste of Britain last week when this newspaper sent me on a media tour of the new ‘DOWNTON ABBEY: THE EXHIBITION’ which just opened at Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, north of Atlanta. It coincided with the opportunity to visit dear friends who live nearby and enjoy a weekend in the big city.
As almost everyone knows, the Downton Abbey series has taken the UK and the US by storm. A British and American co-produced program, this lavish, award-winning period drama presents the life of a British aristocratic family (with an American countess whose wealth saved the family fortune) and their servants from 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic through WWI and into the 1920s. The TV show has already been followed by a movie and another is slated to launch in the spring of 2022.
To quote NBC Universal International Studios, which has hosted the Downton Abbey exhibit in the United States since 2017, the exhibit “connects fans to their favorite characters, costumes, locations and artifacts while taking visitors on an incredible journey through the Great Downton House An Abbey. Fans have the chance to peruse some of the most recognizable and beloved sets from the show and film, from Mrs. Patmore’s bustling kitchen and Carson’s office to the glamorous dining room of family.
Did I like it? A lot and not just because I had the chance to enjoy an exclusive media tour, thanks to Bryan County News, but also because it showed visitors a lot about British society, culture and fashion at this critical period of history. That said, if you are unfamiliar with the exhibit (is there anyone still who is NOT ?? !!) you might not like the exhibit as much as me. So what were my highlights?
* The use of exhibit technology, including holograms, to recreate the characters and scenes from the show was fantastic. I received greeting and etiquette instructions from Carson the Butler, as well as some pointed and witty comments from the Dowager Countess.
* The re-creation of sets including the lavish dining room, kitchen, servant’s room and Lady Mary’s bedroom – scene of much drama in the show – made me feel like I was right in the middle of it all .
I enjoyed a fun interactive poll in which all visitors were “interviewed” for a position at Downton. Apparently, I am suited for the position of cook, which makes sense since I love to cook for family and friends. Maybe that encouraged me a bit to get some Mrs. Patmore’s cooking utensils from the gift shop on the way out.
* The gorgeous modes were very impressive. There were over 50 official costumes on display. My favorites included Lady Mary’s evening outfits and wedding dresses from the show.
If you are a Downton Abbey lover like me, I suggest you visit this traveling exhibit while in Georgia. For more information, visit www.downtonexhibition. com I’ll say “toodle-oo” (old-fashioned British goodbye slang) this week with a fun dialogue from the show that reflects the differences between the wealthy of the two nations at this point in history. The Dowager Countess, played by the incredible Maggie Smith, says, “You Americans never understand the importance of tradition” and Cora’s American mother, played by Martha Levinson, retorts, “Yes, we do. . We just don’t give it power over us … history and tradition have dragged Europe into a world war. Maybe you should think about letting go of his hand. Ouch!
God bless America and England!
Lesley grew up in London, England and made her home in Georgia in 2009. She can be contacted at [email protected] or through her public relations and marketing agency at www.lesleyfrancispr.com
[ad_2]
Source link