Thursday, 25 January 2024
I loved The Crown, at least I loved the early episodes before all the Diana nonsense (I'm not a huge fan of the People's Princess!). So it was fun to see this auction exhibition at Bonhams of costumes and props from the series, so clever - even though close-up you'd never mistake them for the real Norman Hartnell etc. I did wonder who is going to bid for a life-size State Coach, looks authentically bone-rattlingly uncomfortable (estimated price £30,000-£50,000); or a Coronation chair with fibreglass Stone of Scone (£10,000-£20,000); the Queen's many ballgowns and Princess Anne's teenage mini-skirt ensemble for the Caernarvon Castle Investiture (£2,000-£3,000); or for smaller budgets perhaps a slightly battered barbecue from Balmoral (£400-£600). Diana's engagement ring? Genuine cubic zirconia (£2,000-£3,000) - or her off-the rail engagement outfit from Harrods (£1,500-£2,000). They said they are expecting lots of interest from America. Where I'm guessing there is perhaps a hazy perception of what's real and what's Netflix. Four floors to browse and it's all free.
I can see that this might be interesting. I too enjoyed the Crown (haven't seen the new ones) but actually I disapprove of programmes about living people - or even recently-dead ones. I would find it infuriating if I were the R Fam.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my disapproval didn't stop me watching it...
I'll bet they couldn't resist watching it, Pam! I wouldn't waste too much much sympathy on them!
ReplyDeleteBut programmes are also made about murders, when the relatives will still be living. Not that I watch them. But I think it's wrong, using people's tragedies for entertainment. As for the royals - I'm not really a royalist but I'm still sorry for most of them. So much of The Crown must be pure speculation.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you about murder programmes, Pam - and I'm so tired of the constant diet of murder on TV, anyway. And of course there must be a lot of speculation in the The Crown - but then you get Diana/Andrew Morton and so much more that you couldn't make up if you tried! Still think the early seasons were best with the young Queen., though.
ReplyDeleteI loved the period feel of the earlier series and the actors were so good, esp in the first two. (Although, Helena Bonham Carter was fab).Not a fan of Princess Di either.
ReplyDeleteYes, HBC in the bath with her tiara on was fab - and that apparently was true!
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