Antique Carpets From The Set Of Downton Abbey
What is Downton Abbey about?
“Downton Abbey” is a British historical drama television series that aired from 2010 to 2015. The show was created by Julian Fellowes and consists of six seasons. It is set in the early 20th century, primarily focusing on the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, all of whom reside in the fictional estate of Downton Abbey in Yorkshire, England.
The series explores the social, cultural, and political changes that occurred during this transformative period in history, including events such as World War I, the decline of the British aristocracy, the emergence of new technologies, and shifts in societal norms. The show interweaves the stories of the Crawley family members, their personal relationships, struggles, and ambitions, with those of their loyal and hardworking staff.
“Downton Abbey” delves into the class distinctions, traditions, and conflicts between the upper class and the working class, often highlighting the challenges faced by both groups as they adapt to the evolving world around them. The series is known for its elaborate costumes, detailed set designs, and the complex characters whose lives intersect in the context of the estate.
The show received critical acclaim for its historical accuracy, character development, and compelling storytelling. It also garnered a large and dedicated fan base. In addition to the TV series, a film adaptation titled “Downton Abbey” was released in 2019, continuing the story and reuniting many of the original cast members.
Who was the interior designer who created the set designs for Downton Abbey?
The interior designer responsible for the set designs on the television series “Downton Abbey” is Donal Woods. He was the production designer for the show, and his work played a significant role in capturing the historical and opulent atmosphere of the show’s setting. The show’s attention to detail in terms of set design contributed to its authentic portrayal of the early 20th century British aristocracy and their grand estate.
Exploring the rugs of Downton Abbey’s set designs:
Downton Abbey is back with gripping plots and dazzling sets as the fourth season premieres in the United States. It’s not just the plots that draw viewers in. The lavish Downton Abbey set design, surroundings, and furnishings, especially the antique rugs and tapestries, entertain viewers as well as Julian Fellows expertly crafted story-lines.
This historic costume drama presents a lush, alluring picture of life at the fictional Grantham estate in the early 20th century.
Viewers aren’t the only dedicated fans. Princess Kate and William watch it, and the Rolling Stones are such serious fans that the band receives episodes before they air.
In the fourth season, with the war well over, Downton Abbey has taken on a lighter, brighter style that extends to everyone, except Lady Mary. While Highclere Castle’s own antique carpets have been replaced with items that better fit the style of the show, it’s difficult to discern where real life ends and set dressing takes over.
The home’s famous Saloon with its Gothic decorations, massive fireplace and endless ceiling is the heart of the estate. This monumental room is anchored by a spectacular oversized carpet featuring a mouthwatering strawberry red field juxtaposed against verdant green borders. The large-scale designs perfectly mirror the monumental proportions of Highclere Castle and the majesty of its beautifully maintained grounds and signature Lebanon cedars.
Historical Jacobean and Elizabethan trends are immortalized throughout the show’s sets, which display a preference for colorful antique carpets from India with heavily stylized designs and large antique Persian rugs with grand arabesques that give each room a unique style.
These regal pieces are typically associated with Sultanabad rugs and the antique Ziegler carpets of Mahal; however, darker and more studious creations in the styles of Bidjar and Tabriz are displayed as well. The ancestry of the aristocratic family and their home is clearly evident in the furnishings, which share a stately heirloom appearance as if they were passed down over the centuries. There are leather wall coverings from 17th century Spain, elegant Aubusson carpets and classical European tapestries that show a deliberate, progressive recession into the past.
These wonderful rugs and textiles illustrate an English connection that linked the country with Spain, France and the exotic East. The rich history and style of the early 20th century is omnipresent in this winning drama that has claimed oodles of well-deserved awards for its lavish story and setting.
Check out some of our favorite Downton Abbey inspired carpets:
French Aubusson Rugs:
Persian Sultanabad Rugs:
Persian Heriz Serapi Rugs:
This rug blog about the Antique Carpets of Downton Abbey was published by Nazmiyal Rugs in New York City.
