I’m not sure what it is about Downton Abbey that has triggered such meme lust(1), but it sure has.
We are very late to this particular party, but I downloaded the first season last week, and was downloading season 2 by Friday night. Yes, my wife and I are addicted.
While there’s a lot to like about the show, it seems like every scene has someone opening, reading, writing, or discussing the contents of, a letter. They’re all written on impossibly small sheets – way smaller than would hold the contents they seem to contain. The envelopes are small as well – maybe 3 by 4 inches. Barely enough room for an address and a stamp.
(photo credit to JBB on Fountain Pen Network)
So after a brief struggle with rationalization (futile when meme lust is involved) I have gave in and began looking for the implements to replace my usual stationery with new Downton-ized versions. I’m not alone – someone else had the same meme lust a while back.
Of course, it’s 2013 not 1913, and there have been changes. The post office won’t deliver anything smaller than 3.5″ x 5″. While that is indeed a small envelope, it lacks the proper squareness to satisfy the meme lust, so I kept looking. Not much point in writing a letter that can’t be mailed.
After looking a bit, it seems the next size upwards of the 3.5 x 5 inch “4-bar” is the 5.5 bar which fits a letter sized sheet folded into quarters, or a half sheet folded in half. This seemed like a flexible and sensible choice.
Off to ThePaperMillStore.com and soon a box of envelopes and some reams of paper (which I needed anyway) were on order. I ordered Strathmore Writing paper in 20lb weight, and their A2 envelopes.
I might get the 4-bar size and custom cut some paper to fit at some point. When I say “might”, that probably means “will”, and “at some point” may well occur before the first order arrives.
[UPDATE: Ordered. Although, I believe the first order was on my doorstep before the second order was actually placed.]
1) Meme Lust is an irrational obsession with duplicating a meme purely due to irrational fascination, triggered by a movie, TV show, or even someone seen in public. For example, seeing a movie where the star carries a particular kind of briefcase and then needing to have the exact same kind of briefcase. Perhaps the most famous is the obsession with getting a bull whip after seeing an Indiana Jones movie, even though a bull whip is possibly the most useless thing a person could own. But still very cool. Entire message boards have been devoted to specific meme lusts.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Meme lust. Terrible thing. It turns out, however, that Indiana Jones’ adventuring outfit is remarkably practical and comfortable; and, being sufficiently weird anyway, I don’t mind at all when people address me as “Indy” or, in the case of a certain Luftwaffe general, “Doctor Jones.” (Herr General Mihlon is a police captain when he’s not doing WWII re-enactments.) But the bullwhip was vetoed by the Managing Partner, aka SWMBO.
Hi Richard,
I’ve actually spent a few hours on the indy-fan sites, but I prefer my Tilley hat to a fedora. The shoes and whip have tempted me more than a few times though. I’d thought about getting a whip and hanging it behind my desk at work, with a little sign under it that said “Don’t make me use this.”
Great post. I too have been fascinated by the prevalence and importance of letters on this show. But Downton Abbey in general is just absolutely amazing.
Well, I got the smallest legally mailable envelopes, and have cut some paper to fit. You can send me a letter (address is in the contact me page) to get a sample
.
I got my dad hooked last night – we watched the first three episodes together. We agreed that British television has a depth & character development that American TV just doesn’t have.
I like this post! I am quite a big fan of those lovely small letters in the show.I am completely obsessed with Downton Abbey.I have already completed watching season 3 and I am desperately waiting for season 4. I am addicted to the show as well and I don’t mind being addicted to it.
Thanks for the comment!
I’m one episode away from finishing season 3, and waiting for season 4 is going to suck – unless it’s already underway in the UK.
Alas, I’ve got the smaller envelopes, and I’ve sent a few letters, but there’s just not many folks communicating by mail these days!
That’s very cool if Downton Abbey ends up inspiring a lot of new fountain pen writers, and rekindling the spirit of older ones. While there has been a vintage resurgence in a number of different things (stereo equipment, cars, collectibles), I wonder if there has been much of one with writing instruments. The electronic age is a huge distraction, as it’s so much easier to communicate with the electron than the ink droplet. But I can testify that I’ve seen my handwriting ability decline as I gradually wrote less and less. Fountain pens have helped bring back my penmanship. The trouble is, most people I write to call me in return!
Reading online, it seems like pens and paper are seeing an increase in popularity, but I haven’t checked any data – would be a good post.
I’m interested to see how the decision about Saturday delivery will change peoples perceptions