The historic manor-turned-museum Spadina House is currently hosting an exhibition featuring over 20 iconic outfits worn on the popular Brit drama Downton Abbey. Running until April 13, fans of the show can ogle a richly hued dinner dress worn by Lady Cora, an embellished gown donned by Maggie Smith’s character the Dowager Countess, and dapper menswear sported by Matthew Crawley and Lord Grantham. The showcase also looks at the apparel of wealthy Torontonians and aristocrats during that same time period (1900-1920s), including the Austin family, who actually lived in the Spadina House. Here, a look at some of the items on display from a fascinating era in style.
Until Apr. 13, Toronto Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., toronto.ca
The Dowager Countess (played by <strong>Maggie Smith</strong>) is often dressed in the style of the Queen Mother. Her gowns are festooned with rich embroidery, intricate beading and other regal touches
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Lady Mary wore the scarlet suit while she was pregnant and travelling with the family to Scotland at the end of the third season—before her storyline took a tragic turn
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Lady Sybil’s season-two nurse uniform was usually paired with pointed shoes. According to actress <strong>Jessica Brown-Findlay,</strong> “The headdress is quite severe—the hair and makeup department have a job trying to find a way for me to have a little fringe or curl at the side”
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
The suit and coat were worn by Matthew Crawley, played by actor <strong>Dan Stevens.</strong> He wore the gray suit on the family's trip to Scotland at the end of Season Three
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Lord Grantham (played by <strong>Hugh Bonneville),</strong) wore this summery linen suit for informal, daytime activities, like the Downton Garden Party, when he announced Britain was at war with Germany</strong>
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
These three dresses are from the City of Toronto's collection of historical garments. The cream-coloured silk crepe outfit is a wedding dress worn by a Toronto woman in 1927
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
The Downton daughters: Lady Mary (played by <strong>Michelle Dockery),</strong> Lady Edith (played by <strong> Laura Carmichael),</strong> and Lady Sybil (played by <strong>Jessica Brown-Findlay)</strong>
(Image: Spadina Museum)
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum
Slideshow: take a look at Lady Mary’s eveningwear, and other Downton duds on display at the Spadina Museum