Fans pick story with connection to Burgh Island for 'Queen of Crime' tribute
'And Then There Were None' chosen as inscription for art work
Last updated 28th Sep 2023
Agatha Christie's masterpiece 'And Then There Were None' And Then There Were None' has been chosen by the public to be inscribed on a new tribute to the world renowned 'Queen of Crime'.
During this month's Torbay-based International Agatha Christie Festival, fans were invited to vote on their favourite Agatha Christie book from a shortlist of 15 titles based on their local connection to the area.
The iconic novel which made Agatha Christie the best-selling novelist of all time had 25% of the total votes, with people from all over the world taking part in the public vote.
'And Then There Were None' is based on a fictional island but the inspiration for the location came from Burgh Island in Devon, where Christie would often stay.
Selling more than 100 million copies worldwide the story has become Agatha Christie's most adapted piece.
Brixham based artist, Elisabeth Hadley who has been commissioned to create the new tribute, will now start to inscribe the chosen book title onto the bronze statue.
The final piece will show Agatha Christie, sitting on a bench, holding a book as she admires the surroundings – many of which were her muse for her works.
Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Culture & Events and Parking for Torbay Council said; “The tribute, set to be completed in 2024, promises to be a fitting homage to the literary legacy of Agatha Christie.
"With people from all over the world taking part in the public vote, it shows the regard in which she is held, and how she is an important and valued part of our rich cultural heritage.”
Jacob Brandon, Chair of Torbay Culture, said; “Torbay’s tribute to Agatha continues to celebrate the impact she has had on our local culture and heritage, and this vote, which was held during our annual celebration of the beloved author, is a reminder of our town’s connection to a global community of Christie fans.”
Elisabeth’s creation was commissioned as part of Torbay Council’s harbour public realm regeneration works after successfully securing £21.9 million from the Towns Fund to improve and enhance Torquay’s town centre. Upon completion of the regeneration work, the statue will have pride of place in the newly enhanced waterfront location. "