An Agatha Christie Kind of Day - A Visit to the British Library

Today I paid a visit to the British Library for the quite wonderful Agatha Christie exhibition. I had first spotted it on their events calendar over a year ago, so it was something I had been looking forward to for quite some time.

As it happens, just moments away from my starting point was Florin Court - or Whitehaven Mansions to those in the know - home to Hercule Poirot in the brilliant television series starring Sir David Suchet. Given the opportunity, I felt almost duty-bound to stop and take a few photographs. After all, one cannot simply pass by Poirot's London residence without paying one's respects!

The exhibition itself was busy, to say the least, with ticket holders only permitted entry at their allotted times. I therefore had a little time to browse the shop, part of which had been given a distinctly Agatha Christie makeover. 

The till for the shop

The exhibition was divided into five rooms, each offering a fascinating glimpse into a different aspect of Christie's life and career.

The first took visitors back to her childhood, with its associations with grand English country houses - settings that would feature so frequently in her many novels. Alongside this were all manner of personal artefacts and memorabilia, many of which offered an insight into the experiences and influences that would later find their way into her plots and characters.

The second room resembled a dispensary, reflecting Christie's wartime experiences. Having volunteered as a nurse during the First World War, she subsequently worked as an apothecary's assistant. This gave her an extensive knowledge of medicines and, perhaps more importantly for her literary career, poisons. It is little wonder that so many of her fictional victims met their untimely ends through rather suspicious chemical means!

Her book where she makes a note to look up Veronal!

Room three was designed to resemble a railway carriage and was certainly one of my favourites. There was plenty to discover about some of her most celebrated works, including Murder on the Orient Express, arguably one of the most recognisable detective novels ever written. It was fascinating to learn more about the inspiration and thinking behind these skilfully constructed mysteries.

The fourth room transported visitors to Iraq and Syria, where Christie spent many years travelling and working alongside her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan. Among the exhibits was her famous travelling typewriter, which was rather special to see in person. It is always fascinating to discover the everyday objects behind such an extraordinary literary career.

Finally, the fifth room explored the world of theatre and the many adaptations of Christie's stories for the stage. Of course, no discussion would be complete without mentioning The Mousetrap. First performed in 1952, it has become one of the longest-running theatrical productions in history and is still playing to audiences today. Quite an achievement.

All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable exhibition, offering a wonderful insight into the life, inspirations and vivid imagination of one of Britain's best-loved authors.

It seemed only fitting that I should finish where I started, back outside Florin Court. After a few hours spent immersed in the world of Agatha Christie, I would imagine that the Orange household will almost certainly be settling down to watch an episode or two of Poirot tonight. There really is no better way to round off a Christie-themed day!

Until next time, stay safe out there, people.