Envision a colossal book standing right here in London’s theatre district. This is not just any book. It is the Agatha Christie Memorial. It honors the Queen of Crime.
This memorial sits at the intersection of Cranbourn Street and Great Newport Street. It is near Covent Garden. Its location celebrates Agatha Christie’s impact on theatre. Her play The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running show. She was also the first female playwright with three plays running simultaneously in the West End.
The Agatha Christie Memorial stands about 2.4 metres high. It is made of bronze. The memorial is lit from below and within. The front has an inscription: Agatha Christie 1890–1976. Ben Twiston-Davies designed it.
The idea came from Christie’s grandson Mathew Prichard and Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen. Waley-Cohen has produced The Mousetrap since 1994. Westminster City Council supported the construction. A bust existed in Torquay but this was London’s first memorial. It was unveiled on November 25, 2012. This marked the 60th anniversary of The Mousetrap.
Look closely at the titles on the memorial. These are her most popular books and plays. They are in English and other languages. Fans chose the titles in a competition.
Agatha Christie’s books have sold over two billion copies in 100 languages. Her work is adapted for cinema radio and television. The Mousetrap opened in 1952. It moved to St Martin’s Theatre in 1973. In 1954 she was the first woman with three plays running in London at once.
Hercule Poirot appeared in her first book in 1920. Miss Jane Marple followed. Her plays and novels brought her worldwide fame. She understood human nature. She had dramatic skills and storytelling mastery. She became one of the most successful writers of all time.
Born in Torquay in 1890 Agatha Christie loved reading and writing as a child. She gained knowledge of poisons as a pharmaceutical dispenser during the First World War. This proved useful for her crime writing.
Agatha Christie was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1971. She died in 1976.
The Agatha Christie Memorial reminds us of her genius. Her stories continue to thrill readers and audiences worldwide. Take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Crime.