Downton Abbey memorabilia auctioned for astronomical sum

After six seasons of the series and the third, and supposedly final, feature-length film, "Downton Abbey" is bidding farewell to viewers. To mark the occasion, 267 pieces of memorabilia related to the production went under the hammer. The auction, organized by Bonhams, was a success, bringing in a substantial sum of £1.7 million, or over PLN 8.3 million.

The auction result exceeded the estimated sale value of the memorabilia six times over , reports ArtNet. Moreover, all the items on offer found buyers.

“This was a phenomenal auction and the incredible fan response, with participants from 44 countries, demonstrates the clear interest in auctions of this type,” Harvey Cammell, global head of valuations and private collections at Bonhams, said in a statement.

The extensive collection of auction memorabilia included outfits that dominated the bidding. The chiffon gown worn by Lady Mary on her wedding day in season three sold for £21,760 (over 106,000 złoty). A white metal cane used by Violet Crawley in the series achieved more than 35 times its estimated price. This prop was auctioned for £28,180 (over 138,000 złoty).

Another record-breaking sale was achieved by a panel of 20 brass bells, used by the residents of Downton Abbey to summon servants. This prop sold for £216,300 (over PLN 1 million), exceeding its estimated value by 40 times.

Carnival Films plans to donate the proceeds from the auction to Together for Short Lives , a British charity providing palliative care for children.

Since 2010, "Downton Abbey" has amassed a loyal fanbase on both the big and small screens. The production depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The plot is set against the backdrop of important events in Great Britain and the gradual decline of the aristocracy. The adventures of the series' characters were continued in two feature films. The third, announced as the final film, was released on September 12, 2026.

"Downton Abbey" gained recognition not only from viewers but also from critics, winning 15 Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes.