The Gilded Age: A Journey Through Historical New York

Julian Fellowes’ long-awaited ‘American Downton’ is finally here. After a decade in gestation and the inevitable delays of Covid, fans of his work will not be disappointed: The Gilded Age offers the interplay, intrigue, social history, and enormous houses we crave.

Similar to the acclaimed Downton Abbey, this series exemplifies an important city during a time of significant social change. It explores the lives of two households on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue and East 61st Street. We glimpse the affluent lifestyle of the Brook sisters: the sharp-tongued Agnes (Christine Baranski) and the warm-hearted Ada (Cynthia Nixon), along with the socially ambitious Russells, led by monopolist George (Morgan Spector) and his wife Bertha (Carrie Coon), who represent the new money of their time.

Character and Scale: The Essence of The Gilded Age

While character development is central to Fellowes’ storytelling, the scale of the production is also notable. The show captures the grandeur of the era’s architecture, where staggering sums of money were invested in displays of wealth.

Location Insights from Lauri Pitkus

Instrumental in bringing this to the screen was location manager Lauri Pitkus, whose previous work includes other notable productions set in historical New York. She provides insights on how The Gilded Age was artfully created.

Troy, New York: A Filmmaker’s Paradise

The majority of the exterior street scenes were filmed in Troy, New York. This city, enriched by trade, was among the most prosperous in the 19th century. Its preserved landmark buildings attract filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese.

In The Gilded Age, the city transforms into a depiction of Manhattan, particularly Fifth Avenue. Lauri Pitkus expresses excitement about using Troy as a stand-in for this iconic location: “To me, Troy is the most exciting thing to see in The Gilded Age. We selected four to five blocks that we dressed. We had the cooperation of every store owner and we refaced all the buildings with our signage, making it spectacular. The architecture allowed for expansive shots that captured the essence of the 1850s row houses in the background.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Gilded Age not only provides a glimpse into the opulence of the past but also reflects the intricate social dynamics that shaped American history. The stunning visuals and historical depth promise to captivate audiences and generate discussions about wealth, ambition, and societal change.