Jessica Fellowes, Bestselling Author and Niece of “Downton Abbey” Creator Julian Fellowes, Discusses All Things “Abbey” at the MAC
Jessica Fellowes, British journalist, New York Times-bestselling author and the niece of “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes, provides behind-the-scenes insights into the hit PBS series and discusses all things “Abbey” at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) located at the College of DuPage (425 Fawell Blvd.) Sunday, Jan. 31, 3 p.m. The Daily Herald Author’s Circle Book Club, COD College Lecture series and the MAC are partnering to present this event in time for the premiere of the final season, which debuts on PBS this January.
At 2 p.m. just prior to the discussion with Fellowes, Kathy Baum, College of DuPage Art Faculty member, will share her insights in a free MAC chat on the jewelry and artistry of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the era showcased in “Downton Abbey” series. Immediately following the 3 p.m. discussion with Fellowes, attendees will enjoy English treats and a book signing with Fellowes in the MAC lobby.
There will also be a special fundraiser luncheon with Jessica Fellowes to benefit the Lecture series program at Suzette’s Creperie, 211 W. Front St., Wheaton, Sunday, Jan. 31 at noon. This is a separately ticked event.
Jessica Fellowes is the author of a half dozen books on “Downton Abbey,” most recently, “Downton Abbey: A Celebration” (Nov. 2015), the final official companion book celebrating all six series. Other works penned on the series include “The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey” (Oct. 2015), a collection of Jessica’s favorite quotes from all six series; the No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers “A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey‘” (2014) and “The Chronicles of Downton Abbey” (2012); “A Year In The Life Of Downton Abbey: Seasonal Celebrations, Traditions And Recipes” (2014) and “The World of Downton Abbey” (2011). These books have led to a demand for Fellowes as a speaker on radio, TV and at events in the U.K. and U.S. discussing the real-life inspirations for the show as well as the socio-historical context of the show, particularly as it relates to the changing role of women, and the parallels between the world of Downton and today’s society.
Fellowes’ career began at the Mail on Sunday, where she was a celebrity interviewer, gossip columnist and lifestyle editor for six years. She went on to be Deputy Editor of Country Life magazine,where she wrote the magazine’s weekly Town Mouse column as a townie’s guide to country weekends. The latter formed the basis of her first book, “Mud & the City: Dos and Don’ts for Townies in the Country.”
Tickets
In conjunction with Daily Herald Author’s Circle Book Club and College of DuPage College Lecture series, the McAninch Arts Center hosts a lecture/discussion with Jessica Fellows at Glen Ellyn’s McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Sunday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35-$55 per person. For tickets or more information call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org.
Tickets for the fundraiser luncheon with Jessica Fellowes to benefit the Lecture series program at Suzette’s Creperie, 211 W. Front St., Wheaton, Sunday, Jan. 31 at noon are $150. $100 of ticket purchase is tax deductible. This is a separately ticked event. For tickets or more information call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org
About the MAC
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage is located 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355, and houses three performance spaces (the 780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; the 186-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; and the versatile black box Studio Theatre), plus the Cleve Carney Art Gallery, classrooms for the college’s academic programming and the Lakeside Pavilion. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 75,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season.
The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. For more information about the MAC, visit AtTheMAC.org, facebook.com/AtTheMAC or twitter.com/AtTheMAC.
The MAC’s 2015-2016 Season is made possible in part with support by Arts Midwest, BMO Harris,The DuPage Foundation, Hilton of Lisle/Naperville, WDCB 90.9 FM and the College of DuPage Foundation.
Established as a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit cod.edu/foundation or call 630.942.2462.