27 B2 | 7. Klasse | READING | Arts and culture heeled families there. Not surprisingly, they are inviting tourists into their homes, but for a lower figure than their British counterparts. Inspired by the success of Downton Abbey and the subsequent trips to country estates in England, a quick tour, a decent dinner with the owners and an overnight stay will set the tourist back €350–650 per head, if the tourist shares the experience with other guests. Aspects of the cultural impact of the acclaimed drama are not limited to an increased interest in elegant country homes and a fondness for employing an English butler. Sales for items such as bespoke Savile Row2 suits, traditional British afternoon tea, tiaras, and luxury British wallpaper have surged. And according to industry figures, exports of British gin – an alcoholic drink – to the US increased by nine percent on the previous year and by almost 50 percent in five years, hitting record levels in 2015. Add to this, the revival of the 1920s aesthetic in fashion and the increasing popularity in the UK of regal-sounding girls’ and boys’ names, such as Victoria and William, and we see that the cultural impact of the drama has, indeed, been far-reaching. The irony is that the Downton characters frequently declared that they were living in a fast-evolving world and should embrace change, but all things Downton have since become a trend and provided entrepreneurs with lucrative commercial opportunities to allow die-hard fans to imitate the lives of the British aristocracy. With the second Downton movie due in cinemas in spring 2022, the question is, when or will the ‘Downton Abbey effect’ decline? 0 After Downton Abbey was first shown, it didn’t take long for it to turn into . a cultural phenomenon 1 One of the most significant influences of the show has been the interest in employing . 2 In China, students who are training to be butlers are given everything they need for the role while studying at . 3 When tourists visit some ancient country houses in England, they can see . 4 Visitors to large historic homes in Italy can stay overnight, take a tour of the property or have . 5 An item for the home that has seen an increase in popularity thanks to Downton is . 6 Downton’s popularity in the US has led to a huge increase in . 7 Thanks to the emergence of several new Downton Abbey-influenced businesses, fans are able to enjoy the lifestyle of . 2 Savile Row: a street in Mayfair, London, known for its exclusive bespoke tailoring for men Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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