The last several Januarys have brought with them a recurring query, wondering if our business spikes the result of interest in ‘Downton Abbey’. Oh that Julian Fellowes had written in some particular storyline about an interest in fine art and period furnishings amongst the gentry, besides that it is a redoubtably constant feature in the background and suitable for the human drama played out in front.
By this longwinded intro, what I mean to say is, no- so far there has yet to be any rush of business where perhaps the show now winding down in season 6 might be thought to have set a (renewed) fashion for period furnishings. This though is surprising, given the popularity of the series and it begs question why. Just before Christmas, The Economist published an article entitled ‘Out with the old’, describing the plight of the dealer in period decorative arts, with several opinions cited therein that all has been rejected in favor of the modern. It would seem, if this were roundly true, that this would detract from the popularity of ‘Downton Abbey’, now regarded as the most popular series of entertainments in the history of public broadcasting.
One wonders, with its emphasis on historical accuracy, the series might not too effectively evoke its time- while the narrative and characters are engaging, the setting seems remote and exotic. Perhaps this combination of elements renders the series as entirely escapist for most viewers, and not anything they could emulate, so they do not seek to even in its appearance. And most of the upstairs life looks expensive, as indeed it was. I would say that even the wealthiest dot.com billionaire would blanch at the prospect of reproducing the likes of Highclere Castle.
So for the next little while, all of us will have to enjoy the final season, and for years to come, reruns of past seasons, and consider ‘Downton…’ for what it was- an entertainment anomaly, and not a trendsetter. If ever comes a time, please let me know, though, if any of my gentle readers seek a Carlton House desk along the lines of one Lord Grantham uses- we would happily supply one to you.