A new exhibition, Agatha Christie: A Life in Photographs, has opened at the National Museum Cardiff and features rarely seen images from the writer’s personal collection, which show a different side of the legendary Queen of Crime.

Agatha Christie aged 77 by The Christie Archive Trust

Agatha Christie is the best-selling writer of all time and has 66 novels and 150 short stories to her name. She also wrote more than 20 plays, including The Mousetrap, the world’s longest-running production, which has been going for over 64 years. Now, a new exhibition will give fans a peek into the private life of the prolific author.

The exhibition runs until 3 September and contains many surprises. Among the collection are shots of a young Agatha Christie surfing on Muizenberg beach in South Africa and speeding along Torquay Pier on a pair of roller-skates. It’s a far cry from the traditional Miss Marple-like image that many people have of the author. 

Alongside each image are quotes from the great writer herself, taken from both published work and private correspondence. These range right through her life, from early childhood to her time as one of the world’s most famous authors. They provide fascinating snapshots of the woman behind unforgettable stories like Murder on the Orient Express, And Then There Were None and Death on the Nile.   
 
There’s also a local connection to the exhibition, as Christie’s only daughter married a Welshman and lived at a house called Pwllywrach just outside Cardiff. Christie was a frequent visitor and a photo album of her time at the house can be seen in the new exhibition.

Agatha’s only grandson Mathew Pritchard was raised at Pwllywrach. He now looks after the Agatha Christie Archive. “My family and I are delighted to share some of our favourite images and quotations of my grandmother Agatha Christie with you,” he said. “As well as being a marvellous author she was a remarkable person who made an indelible impression on everyone she met.”

Christie’s Welsh visits even influenced her work. Her 1967 story Endless Night was set on a road outside Cardiff and was inspired by a local legend Agatha heard from her daughter’s mother-in-law, Nora Pritchard. A first edition of the book is on display at the exhibition.

“This exciting new Agatha Christie exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of the world’s most famous crime writers,” adds Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism. “The photographs on display show a different side to Agatha Christie and reveal the remarkable person she really was.”

If you or your group would like to follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie on a tailor made tour of the UK, please do contact our friendly team.