Interest in the sale was high from the beginning, but the final outcome of Downton Abbey – The Auction, hosted online by Bonhams London and closing on September 16, went far beyond expectations.
All 267 lots of costumes, props and other memorabilia from the world of Downton Abbey sold, with nothing left unsold. The sale achieved £1,735,744 (including buyer’s premium, about $2.3 mil.), more than six times the pre-auction estimate. This result reflected both the series’ worldwide popularity and the strong interest from the 4,000 registered bidders hoping to secure a piece of the show. The accompanying exhibition drew an equally strong response, with 15,000 visitors to Bonhams on New Bond Street in London.
See also: Props from 'The Crown' Triple Auction Estimate
Harvey Cammell, Global Director, Valuations & Private Collections at Bonhams, said: "This was a phenomenal auction, and the incredible response from fans, with participants from across 44 countries, shows the clear appetite for auctions of this nature and, with a likewise amazing result for The Crown Auction last year, Bonhams is the go-to auction house for popular culture memorabilia."
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The lot that attracted the highest price was the iconic servants’ bell board from Downton Abbey, estimated at £5,000–£7,000 but sold for £216,300. The Grantham family car, a 1925 Sunbeam 20/60hp Saloon, also achieved a six-figure sum, selling for £190,900 against an estimate of £25,000–£30,000.
See also: Costumes and Props from Downton Abbey Go Under the Hammer at Bonhams
In the costume section, a walking stick used by Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess fetched £28,180 (estimate £500–£800). Dresses worn by Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) at her engagement and wedding sold for £23,040 and £21,760 respectively, both well above their estimates. Lady Rose’s (Lily James) pink debutante gown proved even more sought after, selling for £25,600 against an estimate of £2,000–£3,000.
A copy of the script for the first-ever episode of Downton Abbey, signed by several members of the cast, also reached a strong price, selling for £24,320 (estimate £600–£800).
Proceeds from the items consigned by the production company Carnival Films will benefit the charity Together for Short Lives.
