Sunday Viewing: The New Series of “Upstairs, Downstairs”

When I heard that Upstairs, Downstairs was going to be resurrected after nearly forty years, I worried that the new version of the show would undo the greatness of the original. My concerns were assuaged when I discovered that while new characters and circumstances would be introduced, this was more of a continuation of the program than a re-make.

When last we saw 165 Eaton Place, the Bellamy’s were forced to sell the house and move away. In a touching final scene, head house parlor-maid, Rose Buck, emotionally and silently bids farewell to the townhouse which had been her home most of her life.

The new series picks up in 1936 as England was in a period of change with the rise of Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists. King George V’s impending death would cause further change in the Empire as his son, Edward, was set to take the throne amidst much controversy.

As much as things have changed, some things remained the same. Rose Buck (played by the lovely Jean Marsh) is running a domestic placement service and finds herself in charge of assembling the staff for a familiar location—165 Eaton Place. Rose’s first entrance into the house after many years is quite beautiful and the producers of the show treat us to fantastic visuals.

The house is soon to be the home of Sir Hallam Holland, his wife, Lady Agnes and his mother (played by series co-creator Eileen Atkins). While somewhat dilapidated and in disrepair, the familiar views of the sets of the original series are recognizable and very much appreciated. The house is soon restored. This was a very clever way to introduce differences between the original sets and the new ones.

Without giving too much away, Rose finds herself once again a key member of the household as the drama continues both below-stairs and above.

The new series is stunning and beautifully acted with a cast which includes Keeley Hawes and Ed Stoppard. I was thrilled when my parents recently treated me to an advanced preview of the series which has yet to be released in the U.S. It debuted on Christmas Eve in the U.K. American audiences will be able to see the program on PBS on April 10, 17 and 24. Check your local listings. At the end of April, the first three episodes of the new series will be available in the U.S.

Any lover of “UpDown” will be mesmerized by the program. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Painting of the Day: One of the Family, Frederick Cotman, 1880

"One of the Family"
Frederick Cotman, 1880
The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Up-and-coming Liverpool painter, Frederick Cotman—sold his first important painting in 1880 when it was purchased by the Walker Art Gallery. The painting shows a sentimental domestic scene—very popular at the time—which despite its farmhouse feel was actually painted in very different conditions.


The painting was created at the Black Boy Inn at Hurley on Thames with the innkeeper and his family posing for the subjects. The title, “One of the Family,” not only refers to all visitors being welcomed, but specifically to the equine visitor who has joined the family for breakfast. Critics at the time applauded the work for its beautiful rendering, but especially for its message of showing kindness to animals.

Sunday Morning Special: The First Episode of the Original “Upstairs, Downstairs.”

The Upstairs, Downstairs Web Pages

In 1971, executives at ITV worried that while “pretty,” their new program—Upstairs, Downstairs—would cause audiences to “tune out by the thousands.” The show, created by Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins concerned the goings-on at the posh townhouse of Mr. and Lady Bellamy at 165 Eaton Place. Set, at the start, in 1903, the drama told the tale of the lives of both the aristocratic residents of the house as well as the servants below-stairs. The show became a hit, growing in popularity over the run of the series and is now one of the most beloved television programs of all time.


It’s no secret that I adore Upstairs, Downstairs. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the original series and its superlative cast. It’s something that I can watch over and over again and find something new. The series is available on DVD and a new release of the original series was released on March 29.

Enjoy this clip from the first episode of the first series. It’s just such good television.

Reminder: "Punch's Cousin" Will Return on Monday

Last week, we saw the battle for Barbara’s child intensify as Barbara tried desperately to get the boy she renamed “Colin” away from Edward Cage. Mr. Punch declared his desire to raise the boy and promised his nephew that he would take good care of him. Of course, Edward Cage wanted his “son” back and waged war against Julian and his companions. But, they weren’t the only ones who wanted the baby.


Iolanthe Evangeline was enraged to learn that Barbara had gone against her wishes. Meanwhile, Marie Laveau expressed a desire to keep the baby to use as a tool in spreading the word about her suspicious works.

Charles rushed to Barbara’s aid, but also on Julian’s behalf. Catching up to Barbara, he begged her to think of the boy’s best interest. As Robert and Mrs. Punch joined them, Barbara realized what she had to do and offered her son to her brother.

Marjani assisted Punch and Robert in hiding the child at a local hotel. As they hid, Iolanthe and Ulrika encountered Barbara and Charles and taunted them. Mr. Punch worried that they’d not be able to get Colin safely to England. Marjani had a plan—if the world thought that Robert, Julian and the baby had been killed, the search would be called off. Robert and Punch cautiously accepted Marjani’s scheme which involved Adrienne once again posing as Iolanthe.

Will their intricate rouse work or will it backfire? And, what about Iolanthe’s ire and Ulrika’s bitterness? Meanwhile, Marjani is in danger after enraging Marie Laveau and Adrienne and Cecil put their quiet lives in jeopardy as they become embroiled in this bizarre plot.

There’s a lot of excitement in store with this week’s Punch’s Cousin. Be sure to come back each day for each chapter.

Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

We’re now in April and there’s evidence of Spring in the air. With all this growth around us, it’s the perfect time to explore the lives of some of the most influential people in history. We’ll take a look at the life of Queen Elizabeth I as well as a journey to The Tower of London where, among other things, the British Crown Jewels are houses.


There are some exciting things in store for you this week. I’ve found some really interesting artifacts, rare paintings, exceptional sculptures and exquisite jewels that most of us won’t have an opportunity to see in person.

We’ll also be taking a look at the lives of two contemporary celebrities who make a difference in both their professional and personal lives. And, of course, we’ll examine two of the classic films which paved the way for our modern blockbusters.

Here’s wishing everyone a great and interesting week!

Goal for the Day: Create Something Special

You never need an excuse to be creative.  When you daydream about making something, instead of just sitting there and thinking about it, get up and do it.  Everyone is an artist in some way.  We all specialize in different media.  Whether you want to write a poem or a story, paint a picture or work on an interesting craft, you should let your creativity out.  Perhaps your medium is food.  Why not create an exquisite meal or a beautiful baked good?  Anything is possible when you let yourself be creative.

Object of the Day: A Decoupage Box

The art of decoupage has been a staple of the decorative arts for centuries. In the Eighteenth Century, the process of applying paper cut-outs in a pattern on an object and then uniting the images with paint, gold-leaf and varnish was referred to as “Japanning.” Our Victorian forebears loved decoupage, and to me, there’s something innately Victorian about the look fo these pieces.


My mother made this lovely decoupage box for me. She collected an assortment of images which appeal to me: Aberdeen terriers, dramatic interiors, antiques, clocks, The Royal Family and typically English scenes. These images grace the exterior of the box. The interior is something of a surprise. On the inside, images of classic films stars have been arranged in a unique and wonderful pattern.

I just love this little box. Decoupage is still a popular art form. And, it’s something that you, too, can do at home.