Here’s a brief article in the Telegraph about Dame Judi Dench’s return to Cranford to film a two-part Christmas special. The filming is taking place in Wiltshire and is expected to finish this Sunday.

One visitor to the Allentown Art Musuem in Pennsylvania was troubled by the title of one exhibit of film costumes: “Period Costumes for the Screen.” Were they really authentic replicas? Or are they modern interpretations?

The answer, supplied by the museum’s textiles curator, Jacqueline M. Atkins, is all of the above. According to Atkins, most of the clothes are modern interpretations based on designs from the periods depicted. Many gowns represent the Regency period of the early 19th century, the high Victorian era, and the Edwardian years of the early 20th century.

“In many cases,” Atkins explained, “the designers tried to use fabrics of the time and not to use synthetics. They tried very hard to replicate the type of fashions being worn.”

To this end, the costumers sometimes incorporated bits of authentic period materials into their gowns. For instance, the collar piece on a wedding gown worn in Sense and Sensibilitydates from 1810. Two-thirds of the lace on a gown worn by Lee Remick in The Europeans is authentic to its period.

Two outfits in the show are exact replicas, “down to the buttons,” of historical garments. And two other gowns are entirely authentic – a 1912 red number worn in Titanic and a slinky white sheath from the 1930s used in Gosford Park.

To further enliven the mix, Atkins has interposed some samples of historical textiles from the museum’s extensive collection. Knowing that these exhibits were authentic and that most of the dresses were not, I found the simple samples more satisfying aesthetically than the far more ornate concoctions produced by the costumers.

I remember blogging about this exhibit when it was in Ohio months ago. I’m still jealous! This gorgeous “Fashion in Film” exhibit will remain at the Allentown Art Museum through August 9th, before being picked up by another venue (the next two date slots are still available…*dialing High Museum of Art in Atlanta…*).

The awesome Jane Austen Today blog brought my attention to a nice BBC DVD sale going on at Amazon.com. There are a number of good costume dramas included in the sale, including The Charles Dickens Collection Vol. I and The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection.

Happy Earth Day!

The first image of Russell Crowe as Robin Hood has been released, and Comingsoon.net has it here.Though Crowe looks exactly like Maximus again, sans uber hott gladiatorial garb, I am not complaining about the similarity

Opening in theaters on May 14, 2010, the Universal action-drama co-stars Cate Blanchett, Vanessa Redgrave, Mark Strong, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Oscar Isaacs, Lea Seydoux and William Hurt.

Crowe plays Robin of Loxley in an origin story of Robin Hood that hews close to historical facts of the period. Abandoned as a child, he finds community with the common people of Nottingham. Robin’s abandonment and trust issues hamper his ability to fall in love. He meets his match in Marian (Blanchett), a strong, independent woman.

This is Plymouth has a review of Bath in its travel section. It includes references to Jane Austen, and a number of interesting trivia tidbits about the Georgian city that has been designated a World Heritage Site. For any Austen or Regency fan, Bath’s architecture and atmosphere make it a veritable mecca.

Telegraph reports that tickets have gone on sale for a cruise that will mark the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. The 12-night cruise, which will follow the same course as the fated ship with the same number of passengers in tow, expects tickets to sell out, despite the £2,595 price tag.

“The Titanic still grips the imagination of people throughout the world and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a unique cruise packed with interest for those with a fascination for the Titanic story,” he said. “The whole voyage will be steeped in Titanic history. The food served will match the sumptuous menus on the original voyage; the entertainment will include music and dancing in the style featured in those glorious times and there will be a chance to hear first hand from historians who have studied the Titanic story.”

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House has received a £262,000 donation from English Heritagefor repairs that will prevent the historic house from rotting. As critical to Gaskell’s writing career as the Chawton cottage was to Jane Austen, Plymouth Grove, located in Knutsford, Cheshire, has seen tourism rise considerably since the release of BBC One’s highly successful adaptation Cranford, starring Dame Judi Dench.

She wrote all her books – with the exception of Mary Barton – at the seven-bedroomed house in Manchester. But now the Regency-style villa needs major structural repairs. It closed earlier this year for the work on the roof, windows and walls to start. Experts are also going to eradicate the dry rot. The project will weatherproof the house.

The Christmas Countdown continues 2ith 18 days left and today’s gift is:

 The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection (DVD)

This 7-disc set includes Cranford, Wives & Daughters, and North & South. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage and extras (in all, the set runs for 824 minutes!)

“Three of the beloved Victorian author’s stories sweep you away in these star-studded and endlessly entertaining BBC adaptations. In Cranford, starring Oscar®-winner Dame Judi Dench, you’ll follow the delights and disappointments of life and love in a bustling 1840s English town. In North & South, a young woman from rural southern England feels out of place in the industrial north until she falls in love with a northerner. And in Wives and Daughters, pretty Molly Gibson must suddenly cope with an impossible stepmother, burdensome secrets and blossoming romance. Enjoy all three rich, dramatic comedies of manners and romance, as seen on PBS and BBC America.”

A great gift for any Elizabeth Gaskell or costume drama fan! Found at Barnes & Noble for $67.79.