Agatha Christie statue in Torquay
Fans will always see her as being the Number One undisputed crime writer. Her book sales are still colossal – with an estimated 11,000 novels sold every day, writes Duncan Little.
That’s a rate of 500 an hour or an incredible 10 copies sold somewhere on Planet Earth every single minute of every single day. The turnover of her work is said to have only been exceeded by Shakespeare – and The Bible.
More than 30 feature films are centred around her work. Most recently, her books were encapsulated on the silver screen with A Haunting in Venice, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on Nile.
During the course of her life, Agatha Christie wrote more than 60 detective novels and more than a dozen plays. Her work is estimated to have been translated into more than 100 languages.
Born in Torquay in 1890, the town is celebrating her work following the recent unveiling of a statue created by Elizabeth Hadley.
The town took delivery of the artwork at the start of the month and it was unveiled last weekend. Hundreds of people turned out to mark the occasion and to enjoy music from swing-jazz band, The Hummingbirds.
The statue itself sees the crime writer seated on a bench with her trusted dog, Peter.
It comes as Torbay Council is looking at the potential usage of the Pavilion as being a home for an ‘Agatha Christie Research and Visitor Centre.’
‘Showcasing her life and works’
‘Agatha Christie is undoubtedly the most famous former resident of Torbay. Her contribution to the literary world is unparalleled, with much of her work taking inspiration from her experiences in and around the area,’ says Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council.
‘Showcasing her life and works at the Pavilion would not only honour her legacy but provide a glimpse into the woman she was.’
‘With the newly unveiled statue nearby on Torquay’s harbourside we hope this is the start of a new era of celebrating Agatha Christie to local, national and international audiences.’
Supporters say that a centre dedicated to the works of Agatha Christie would continue to build upon her legacy.
