An exhibition of photographs, Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait: A Life in Photographs, offering a new insight into the life of world famous author will be at Torre Abbey Historic House between Saturday 12 September until Sunday 18 October.
Featuring never-before-seen photographs from the author’s private collection, the exhibition illustrates the life behind the works of the most widely published author of all time. Torre Abbey is the first venue outside of London to host this exhibition, complemented by a display of original letters and personal anecdotes from global fans collated as part of the #125Stories project.
Each image is accompanied by a quote in Christie’s own words, drawn from both published works and unpublished personal correspondence, beautifully capturing her thoughts and feelings from early childhood, through both marriages and her international adventures, to her years as a world famous author.
A timeline will sit alongside the pictures and mark the key milestones in Christie’s life, including the first performance of the world’s longest running play, The Mousetrap, and the publication of definitive works such as Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None.
The jewel in the crown of the exhibition will be a portrait of Agatha Christie by expressionist painter Oscar Kokoschka, painted in 1969 for Dame Agatha’s 80th birthday.
Executive Lead for Tourism, Culture and Harbours, Cllr Nicole Amil, said: “This a beautifully curated exhibition including many previously unseen photographs brought together for the 125th anniversary year by the Christie Archive Trust and Agatha Christie Ltd with support from the Colwinston Trust.
“Expressing the author’s humour, intelligence and adventurous nature, including tender moments with family and friends, and accompanied by quotes in Christie’s own words, these photographs offer a new understanding of the woman who became the Queen of Crime.”
Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson and Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, who looks after the Agatha Christie Archive, said: “These wonderful photographs form a key part of the Archive and it is very moving to see them presented so beautifully for everyone to enjoy. I cannot think of a more fitting way to celebrate my grandmother’s life in this 125th anniversary year.”
Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait is curated by Alice Graham on behalf of the Christie Archive Trust and Agatha Christie Ltd with support from the Colwinston Trust. The exhibition is coming from its London debut, where it was at Bankside Gallery this summer to mark the 125th anniversary of the Queen of Crime.
