Masterful Masterpiece: Downton Abbey

I'm a huge fan of Public Television. In fact sometimes I think of myself as a "prisoner of Public Television"...which I believe is how James Spader's character in Sex Lies and Videotape refers to his mother.  I usually prefer to watch anything on Public TV over another station.   And of all the shows on Public TV, Masterpiece Classic, formerly Masterpiece Theater, is my absolute favorite.  OK, so I'm a pushover for a good period drama.  When Downton Abbey aired last year, I was completely drawn in.  The last episode seemed to end in an inconclusive way, and I didn't realize then there would be another season.  In hind sight it should have been obvious.  Anyway season II is set to air in January, and I can't wait.  The sets and the costumes are fantastic, as is the acting.  I loved Elizabeth McGovern 30 years ago in Ordinary People, and I love her now as the Countess of Grantham.  Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was shot, is open to the public, it would be magnificent to see.

 

 

 

 

 During these garden party scenes, the help is dressed all in black and the party goers are all in pale colors.  The contrast is an interesting statement in class division.  I wonder if that is authentic, or it was employed by the movie makers for striking visual effect.

Elizabeth McGovern as Countess Grantham

Mary in beautiful blue hat

Love the necklace!

I just love this photo.  The servants are all in order in front of the castle.

Another great costume!

Love the fern behind the Earl of Grantham.  What a beautiful room.

Great costumes!

More great interiors.

I think this is a scene from next season.  I can't wait!

Simply Elegant!!

Hunt scene.

Nutcracker

 This time of year I love watching the Nutcracker. It's really the only time of year that ballet takes a prominent position in our mainstream cultural awareness.  If I can't get to a live performance, I can usually count on seeing a performance on Public Television.  I've lately noticed that ballet photographs are often in the New York Times Arts section.  It seems like that's really the only place I see ballet images on a regular basis.  And the photo are always fantastic.

Horse Feathers

I am in the process of designing a horse barn for a client as part of a mini estate.  While looking for images of inspiration, I came across some barns and equestrian properties designed by Peter Zimmerman  I especially like his use of stone and bold, simple shapes.

Maps as Decor

I am a huge fan of maps, and I love the idea of using them like wall paper for a powder room, a child's bedroom or in a vacation home.

Purple Haze

This morning a co-worker mentioned to me the color of the year was tangerine tango.  At about the same time my January 2012 issue the UK House & Garden  arrived.  On the cover was a drop dead gorgeous living room with purple accents buy Gytha Bouchon of the design firm Nutall.  Based on this cover shot, I hereby predict that purple...with a catchier name...will be the color of 2012.