Last Saturday, I attended the Downton Abbey Day at William Ashley China on Bloor Street in Toronto. It was a day spent with the experts on fine china following on the theme of the famous British TV Show, Downton Abbey. The store presented the type of China, silver, culinary items the Crawleys used during their Afternoon Tea and during their formal dinners. They also presented the cooking wares used by the downstairs staff in the Crawleys' kitchen. All around were pictures of the Crawleys and their downstairs household staff. There was also a presentation by the Spadina Museum on Downtown Abbey Fashion Style from the 1920s. During the event, the fun thing was that we were served free tea using their famous China teacups from the store together with sweets. All of the guests freely mingled and listened to their presentations while we drank tea and ate the sweets. Too bad, we didn't meet Matthew Crawley or Lady Mary but we all glimpsed their lifestyle through the China, Dinnerware and Silver that they used during their meals at the Castle. As you know, their lives and drama revolved around their meals whether upstairs or downstairs in the Castle. The day was completed by the display of vehicles that the Crawleys use to travel around town. I am excited for the next Episode to begin!
Mr. Carson, the Butler, welcomed us to the Event.
We saw huge silver candelabras, champagne goblets, and the Imari China which was one of the China famously used by the late Queen Mother Elizabeth.
Old Imari China, favourite of the late Queen Mother Elizabeth.
Planning to join the Crawleys for dinner soon?
Photos of Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Lady Sybil.
More family photos of the Crawleys including the late Matthew Crawley with Lady Mary and their newborn son.
Photo of the downstairs Kitchen staff.
This Spode Blue and White Collection was the Grand Prize for the contest in-store.
Tea set that is perfect for Afternoon Tea at the Castle.
There was live music in-Store.
Ladies and gentlemen came in their own stylish hats.
We drank tea in William Ashley's variety of China tea cups.
The Crawleys' Car Collection.
Happy Queen Victoria Long Weekend here in Canada!
Happy Queen Victoria Long Weekend here in Canada!
How cool Pamela! You know, I became addicted to the show only recently and must have been so fun! All the tea sets are so precious and chic, would love to drink tea in one of these beautiful cups!:) Happy Queen Victoria Long Weekend to you dear, enjoy it!:) Kisses! xo
ReplyDeleteI would have enjoyed this event as I am a fan of Downton Abbey!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun!!! I'd be in heaven surrounded by all the gorgeous silver and fine china. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a great experience!
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What an interesting event and a clever way to promote the products too. I've always admired the Spode blue and white china and there are some beautiful tiered stands here too. You manage to attend such a variety of lovely places and events!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to attend an event like this. Beautiful photos. So Pamela with which Downton Abbey character do you most identify?
ReplyDeleteHi Connie, I know you will love to attend this event. I imagine us both attending this event wearing our elegant and fun hats and drinking our tea in their wonderful teacups. I identify with both Lady Mary and Lady Edith in terms of style and their love life. No one has died on me yet, but like Lady Mary and Lady Edith, we are searching for our right
Deletelife partners.
Very fun event. I was kind of disappointed in last season, hope the new one is a bit better. I do have to watch if just for the costumes and I love seeing when they discover new products like the telephone or the toaster. I have such a fondness for Afternoon Tea, this would be something I would enjoy for sure. Lucky you!!
ReplyDeleteamazing photos dear !
ReplyDeletexoxo
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What a fun afternoon Pamela. I hope you ordered one of those lovely gold handled pots for me, so elegant!
ReplyDeleteHinPaul, it's on the way! :))
DeleteOh gosh, these cups and plates are just too cute!
ReplyDeletexx
oh pamela!!! as a downton abbey fan, i would've LOVED to have been there. any facet of downton abbey i LOVE!!! the tableware is so beautiful.
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Hi Kim, I know you love the show Downton Abbey too. It would have been fun to attend this event with you.
DeleteThis is so cool, I love Downton Abbey!! This would have been an amazing event to attend, am a big fan. My brother-in-law lives very close to where they film the show, we plan to visit sometime & go see it as well. I hope you have a wonderful new week my dear!! xx
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I still haven't watched this show, from the stunning exhibition, it all looks so regal and interesting, some really beautiful historical crockery sets. It was great hearing your thoughts, have a splendid week ahead!
ReplyDeleteWooow, lovely items! Lucy www.tpinkcarpet.com
ReplyDeleteAmazing experience, I love the tea set!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a fab day Pam!!!
I would so love to go to this!! Looks great.
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