So excited the second season of Downton Abbey is starting tonight.  I’m a latecomer to the series but was able to catch up over the holidays by watching all the episodes from the first season.  The costumes are amazing but I especially enjoy seeing all the details of Highclere Castle, where the show is filmed.  The craftsmanship used throughout the castle is unbelievable.  It’s wonderful to see the furniture and details that I learned about in my history design class, styles that are rarely used or desired by my clients.  Todays styles are so much simpler but many of the shapes and details we see today still reflect the designs that were used centuries ago.   Enjoy these pictures from the PBS show and Highclere Castle.

One of my favorite scenes is when Lady Sybil, the youngest sister and budding feminist, shocks her family with her new pantsuit.