Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey (17 page)

The appearance of new props on set helps to reflect the passage of time on screen and can also create quite a stir inside the Abbey. As well as its telephone, Downton now boasts a food mixer, while upstairs the younger generation can listen to music on the gramophone.

Many of these items are actually original pieces that have been carefully restored to look as if they are new. The controversial kitchen mixer was an eBay find, sourced from America, then sent to specialist prop makers who cleaned, stripped and resprayed it. It also had to be rewired by an electrician, both to make it safe and to make it work.

Another piece of Twenties modernity, the gramophone (which reappears in series four) was hired. ‘It is the gramophone that Mary and Matthew danced to at the end of series two, so I had to make sure that we could get exactly the same one,’ says Gina Cromwell.

Not everyone likes this brave new world – and with good reason, says Lesley Nicol, who plays Mrs Patmore, as these kitchen aids reduce the need for staff. ‘The introduction of electronic devices scares her because she doesn’t know where it will end. None of them know how much their lives will change because of this new technology – and time will later confirm her fears.’

All these new-fangled gadgets were made viable by the more widespread use of electricity, which so alarmed Violet with the threat of ‘vapours’. But close inspection of the Ealing set, which recreates her peaceful green drawing room, reveals a period table lamp with a telltale wire. Even the Dowager has begun to accept progress.

The props team have a keen sense of what suits the taste and environment of each character. Unlike the average buyer of antiques, they have a precise idea of what they need, looking for items that specifically suit locations and characters’ individual personalities. ‘You can be in a place that’s jam-packed with antiques of all sorts – different periods, different uses – and you only see what you want,’ says Gina Cromwell. ‘It sort of jumps out at you, it’s quite amazing. You think, “That’s right for such-and-such,” so you zone in on it straightaway.’

In particular the team shop to dress the sets that return every year, such as Cora and Mary’s bedrooms, which have unique looks. Cora’s room, as well as being larger than her eldest daughter’s, has a more sumptuous, mature feel. The walls feature landscape paintings in oils and miniatures of ladies in powdered wigs, rather than the flowery decorations that Mary favours.