Downton Abbey Memorabilia Auction to Coincide with “The Grand Finale” Release
London, UK – July 27, 2025 – As fans eagerly await the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 12, 2025, Bonhams auction house in London is set to host a landmark event, Downton Abbey: The Auction, offering collectors and enthusiasts a chance to own iconic props, costumes, and set pieces from the beloved British series. Running online from August 18 to September 16, 2025, alongside a free public exhibition at Bonhams’ New Bond Street showroom, the auction celebrates the Crawley family’s legacy while supporting a charitable cause.
Auction Highlights
The auction features over 120 meticulously curated items spanning all six seasons of the TV series (2010–2015) and its three feature films, showcasing the historical accuracy and attention to detail that made Downton Abbey a global phenomenon with over 120 million viewers. Key lots include:
- 1925 Sunbeam 20/60hp Saloon: The Grantham family’s luxurious seven-seater car, used in series 2–5 and all three films, is a star attraction with an estimated sale price of £25,000–£35,000. One of only 45 surviving examples, it’s roadworthy and comes with UK registration documents.
- Lady Mary’s Wedding Dress: Michelle Dockery’s iconic 1920s wedding costume from Season 3, Episode 1, complete with bouquet, veil, and shoes, is expected to fetch £3,000–£5,000.
- The Downton Abbey Bell Wall: A servant-summoning bell wall from the servants’ hall, featured in nearly every episode and the opening credits, carries an estimate of £5,000–£7,000.
- Lady Sybil’s Harem Pants: Jessica Brown Findlay’s groundbreaking costume from Season 1, Episode 4, symbolizing early 20th-century fashion rebellion, is estimated at £3,000–£5,000.
- Violet Crawley’s Dresses: Dame Maggie Smith’s light pink and dark grey day dresses from Season 6 are expected to sell for £1,000–£3,000, reflecting the Dowager Countess’s elegance.
- Autographed Script: A signed script from Season 1, Episode 1, is estimated at £600–£800, offering a piece of the show’s origins.
- Clapperboard: A clapperboard from Downton Abbey: A New Era is valued at £1,000–£1,500, appealing to film production enthusiasts.
- Mrs. Patmore’s Costumes: Lesley Nicol’s cook costumes and pinafores are estimated at £600–£800, capturing the heart of the kitchen.
The auction also includes smaller items like Thomas Barrow’s white leather gloves (£100–£150) and a late Victorian oak and brass dinner gong from The Grand Finale set, catering to a range of budgets.
Exhibition Details
The free exhibition, open to the public from August 18 to September 16, 2025, at Bonhams’ New Bond Street location, offers a rare glimpse into Downton Abbey’s world. Viewing hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (closing at 12 PM on September 16), with weekend viewings on September 7 and 14 from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Fans can explore costumes, props, and set pieces, including Lady Edith’s peach halterneck dress and a signed clapperboard, immersing themselves in the series’ historical craftsmanship.
Charitable Impact
Carnival Films, the series’ producer, will donate proceeds from their contributed items to Together for Short Lives, a UK charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions. “These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives,” said Gareth Neame, Executive Producer and CEO of Carnival Films.
Tie-In with The Grand Finale
The auction’s timing aligns with the theatrical release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the third and final film, produced by Carnival Films and distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International. Set in the 1930s, the film introduces a new decade of fashion and drama, with costumes like Lady Mary’s striking scarlet gown already generating buzz. Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with @DowntonAbbey sharing, “Familiar faces, shocking revelations, and the finale we’ve all been waiting for.” The film’s release on September 12, coupled with early Dolby Cinema screenings in the US on September 10, is expected to drive interest in the auction.
Why It Matters
Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for House Sales and Private & Iconic Collections, praised the series: “Downton Abbey is an exceptionally well-researched piece of storytelling on aristocratic society in the early 20th century, and the costumes and props show the impressive attention to detail that brought the world to life on screen.” The auction not only offers fans a chance to own a piece of television history but also underscores the show’s cultural impact, having won Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Primetime Emmy awards.
For bidding and exhibition details, visit bonhams.com. To secure tickets for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, check focusfeatures.com or local listings. Follow #DowntonAbbey on X for fan reactions and updates.
Disclaimer: Auction estimates are subject to change based on bidding activity. All figures are approximate and sourced from Bonhams and related reports.