Category Archives: 1920s

1920s, Chinese Pottery, Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey Decor Chinese Bowl & Plate

Lady Violet and Chinese Bowl
Lady Violet and Chinese Bowl

Lady Violet played by Dame Maggie Smith presents flowers from Lord Merton to Mrs Crawley in a Chinese Bowl.  A closer look at the pattern on the bowl indicates a Chinese rose medallion Canton style pattern. Chinese decorative plates in a simlar pattern were used as set dressing in various locations on the Downton Abbey sets.

Lady Edith and Chinese Plate in Downton Abbey
Lady Edith and Chinese Plate in Downton Abbey
More views of the Canton porcelain plate with Lady cora on Downton Abbey
 Canton porcelain plate with Lady cora on Downton Abbey

Similar bowls can be found on eBay at a range of prices. Click Here for a current selection of chinese bowls.   and HERE for Plates. In fact many of the Downton Abbey props were sourced on eBay according to Donal Woods, Production Designer.

1920s, Downton Abbey, Royal Crown Derby, Spode

Get the look: Lady Mary Crawley’s Breakfast China

ladymarycrawleybreakfast
Lady Mary Crawley's Breakfast Tray -Spode Stafford White China Cup and saucer, Crown Derby Creamer Jug

Going all out for a full set of Downton Abbey style fine china may not be practical or affordable on a limited budget. A fine china breakfast tray setting is an affordable luxury and perfect for a stylish breakfast in bed. Take inspiration from Lady Mary Crawley's breakfast tray. On the Downton Abbey set they used  Spode Stafford White china with a custom Downton Abbey crest but otherwise identical to the pieces you can buy online  See a selection here on eBay. Also on Lady Mary's tray is a tall cream jug from Royal Crown Derby with a distinctive panel on the side. The example above has a green colorway.  Here is another example with Red detailing.

Royal Crown Derby Panel Large Creamer
Royal Crown Derby Panel Large Creamer seen on eBay

Continue reading Get the look: Lady Mary Crawley’s Breakfast China →

1920s, Downton Abbey, Nostalgia

Downton Abbey: The Empire Typewriter

The Empire Typewriter as seen on Downton Abbey

The Empire typewriter patented in 1892 was seen on an early episode of Downton Abbey. The Empire typewriter was first manufactured by Williams Mfg. Co. , Montreal, Canada and Plattsburgh U.S. In 1924 production moved to British Typewriters Ltd. West Bromwich,Staffordshire, England

A similar one was seen on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-EMPIRE-TYPEWRITER-PATENT-1892-shop-display-advertising-office-/151888060585
Reference:   http://www.typewritermuseum.org/collection/index.php3?machine=empire&cat=kf

1920s, Downton Abbey

Downton Style: Lady Rose Blouse

Lady Rose in Downton Abbey wears a ribbon trimed blouse
Lady Rose in Downton Abbey wears a ribbon trimed blouse

Lady Rose's braid trimmed blouse in Downton Abbey looks easy to emulate. Unlike many of the elaborate costumes worn by the cast here is a blouse idea that could be copied using a plain long sleeved pullover blouse as the base.  If your blouse does not have a square neckline you will have to cut a square neckline in front and finish the edge with a hand-rolled hem. as seen in the close-up picture above. Then hand stitch or machine stitch braid or ribbons in similar colors as seen on Lady Rose above and you have wearable Downton Style!

1920s, 1930s, Antibes, Sarah & Gerald Murphy

Walk from Villa America to Garoupe Beach

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Sarah and Gerald Murphy and their children liked to walk to the Garoupe beach from the house they build nearby 'Villa America' (112 Chemin des Mougins ). Here is a Google map of the walk so you can follow in their footsteps.

When The Murphy's first came to Antibes and discovered the Garoupe beach, they were staying in hotels such as Hotel Du Cap or rented accomodation. The eventually bought a property and renovated it and called it Villa America.

Some popular books on the Murphys. I have recently read "Everybody was so Young" and "Making it New" each of which I highly recommend. "Everybody was so Young" is a comprehensive account of the life and times of the Murphys. "Making it New" examines the evolution of their stylish lifestyle including Gerald's paintings and is a good one to read following the other book.