Save the date for a spectacular unveiling event as Torquay’s harbourside honours the ‘Queen of Crime’ with a new tribute designed by local artist Elisabeth Hadley.

On Saturday 12 April, Torquay’s harbourside is set to celebrate its most famous daughter, Agatha Christie, with the unveiling of a magnificent statue in her honour. 

This momentous event will take place at Torquay’s harbourside in the newly created public realm space. The stunning inner harbour will provide the backdrop for the bronze tribute, which sees Agatha Christie sitting on a bench with her beloved dog Peter at her feet.

The specially commissioned tribute, funded through Town Deal Funding, secured by us, was created by Brixham artist, Elisabeth Hadley. Elisabeth’s design was chosen following a public vote, after five artists were shortlisted following a public call out in September 2021.

The unveiling ceremony will be complemented by live performances, a family-friendly ‘who-done-it’ mystery trail, literary walks and a print workshop hosted by Double Elephant at Torquay Library, for all ages and abilities.

During the print workshop participants will learn how to create a picture to illustrate one of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries. There are two sessions on Saturday 12 April that can be booked onto, 11am until 12.30pm and 1pm until 2.30pm. Book tickets for the workshop, tickets are priced at £3.00.

The International Agatha Christie Festival (IACF) is hosting a Spring Gathering for 130 Agatha Christie enthusiasts. Over the weekend, Spring Gathering guests will take part in specially organised events and literary talks from speakers including Jeremy Vine, Victoria Dowd, and Robert Thorogood, before attending the statue unveiling and a Celebration Ball later in the evening.

Local businesses are encouraged to get behind celebrating the life of Agatha Christie by having food and drink menus or their shop windows decorated, inspired by Agatha and the settings of her novels.

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services for Torbay Council, said; “We are thrilled to honour our literary icon, Agatha Christie with a wonderful new statue in Torquay, her birthplace. Her works have brought joy to millions of people from around the world. We hope this legacy will serve as a lasting tribute and inspire a new generation to explore her work.

“Residents and visitors are welcome to join us in April as we celebrate Agatha Christie with a programme of free events and activities in our newly created public realm space.”

Julie Brandon, Co-Founder of the Artizan Collective, said; "Agatha Christie is a cultural icon whose literary legacy has shaped not only the world of crime fiction but also the identity of the English Riviera.

“We are delighted to support the commissioning of a new statue that not only celebrates her influence but also ensures that recognition for this pioneering female writer comes from the hands of a talented female sculptor. It is particularly fitting that this work is being created by local artist Elisabeth Hadley, reinforcing the importance of investing in homegrown talent and recognising the role that the arts play in shaping the places we live.

“Public art has the power to tell stories, create connections, and enhance our shared spaces, and we’re proud to be part of a project that honours one of Torbay’s most remarkable figures in such a meaningful way."

The Strand public realm project is the first of Torquay’s regeneration projects, made possible after the council secured £21.9million of Town Deal Funding to deliver the Torquay Town Investment Plan.

The community can stay up to date with this project and other projects happening in Torquay by signing up to the Torquay Projects newsletter.

Image credit: Elisabeth Hadley. The image does not show the finalised tribute. The image was taken by the artist, during the creation phase.