"This house is going to see such life! Lady Agnes Holland
Tonight Masterpiece Theatre
returns to Eaton Place once again-165 Eaton Place to be precise. To
keep us preoccupied as we wait for January 6 and the Third Season of Downton Abbey, Masterpiece re-runs the first season of the sequel to the beloved Upstairs Downstairs
(which ran from 1971-1975) before the anticipated second season of 6 episodes begins on October 7.
(which ran from 1971-1975) before the anticipated second season of 6 episodes begins on October 7.
Though the first season lacked the intimate character development of
the old series as it only had three episodes, the costumes and set
design were worth the wait. The new Upstairs Downstairs stars the
creators of the original 1970s series which can be streamed on Netflix(go watch!)-
Jean Marsh, who reprises her role as the cornerstone of the downstairs
staff Rose, and Eileen Atkins who portrays the new family's matriarch
Lady Maud, The new series of Upstairs Downstairs
begins in 1936 as the new family- The Hollands- move into 165 Eaton
Place, the home of the Bellamy Family, Rose's former employers.
begins in 1936 as the new family- The Hollands- move into 165 Eaton
Place, the home of the Bellamy Family, Rose's former employers. |
| Production Designer Eve Stewart's sketches for 165 Eaton Place |
The iconic old home has been neglected and requires a restoration to not only restore it to its gracious glory but also to bring it up to the standards and needs of the new family and the new age. For that task Masterpiece turned to Eve Stewart,nominated for an Academy Award for her work on The King's Speech
, to take on the daunting task of recreating a beloved address, painstakingly getting all the architectural and ornamental details just so at this Georgian style home so many remember. The home after all is at the center of the drama, arguably the main character, and other than Rose the only character to return from the original series-The main hall and chandelier bring viewers instantly back to familiar surroundings.
, to take on the daunting task of recreating a beloved address, painstakingly getting all the architectural and ornamental details just so at this Georgian style home so many remember. The home after all is at the center of the drama, arguably the main character, and other than Rose the only character to return from the original series-The main hall and chandelier bring viewers instantly back to familiar surroundings. 
At the same time the set needed to be designed to reflect the style and characters of the new young family in a very different world than the Bellamy family lived in-lavish and opulent for Lady Agnes upstairs and proper bell and calling system for downstairs.
The first season of Upstairs Downstairs encores tonight on PBS for three episodes..and the second season premieres on October 7. Check your local listings.
Ms. Stewart created a bird motif throughout the house because she "... felt that all the young people were like little birds trapped in this gilded cage, whether they're the posh birds at the top or the common little sparrows, they're all kind of fluttering around andmaking nests for themselves." I for one am pleased to be invited back to this nest.
The first season of Upstairs Downstairs encores tonight on PBS for three episodes..and the second season premieres on October 7. Check your local listings.
