Sculpting a Legend: Bringing Agatha Christie to Torquay’s Harbour
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On Saturday 12 April 2025 Torbay Council hosted an unveiling event to honour the Queen of Crime’ with a new tribute designed by acclaimed local artist Elisabeth Hadley.
The stunning inner harbour provides the backdrop for the bronze tribute, which sees Agatha Christie sitting on a bench with her beloved dog Peter at her feet and one of her books in her hand.
The specially commissioned tribute, funded through Town Deal Funding, secured by Torbay Council, following a suggestion by Julie Brandon of Artizan Collective, 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.
Join Artizan Collective and sculptor Elisabeth Hadley for an intimate, behind-the-scenes talk exploring the journey of turning an ambitious vision into Torquay's newest landmark, and in addition hear about other local public commissions that she has undertaken since setting up home in Torbay: ‘Man and Boy’ in Brixham and ‘Miranda on the Rocks’ at Kingswear.
Whether you are a passionate Christie fan, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about how public monuments come to life, this talk offers a rare glimpse into the artistry, craftsmanship, and local pride woven into creating public works.
***Tickets for this event are free and limited to 30 people seated. Booking essential. ***
ELIZABETH HADLEY
Elisabeth Hadley is a sculptor based in Brixham, Torbay. Originally from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, she moved to Torbay in 1997.
Elisabeth has been working professionally as a sculptor for over thirty years and exhibits in galleries across the South West. Her sculptures are derived from real object sources.
Her work consists of producing limited edition bronze sculptures and she also produces commissions for private and public works of art.
The stunning inner harbour provides the backdrop for the bronze tribute, which sees Agatha Christie sitting on a bench with her beloved dog Peter at her feet and one of her books in her hand.
The specially commissioned tribute, funded through Town Deal Funding, secured by Torbay Council, following a suggestion by Julie Brandon of Artizan Collective, 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.
Join Artizan Collective and sculptor Elisabeth Hadley for an intimate, behind-the-scenes talk exploring the journey of turning an ambitious vision into Torquay's newest landmark, and in addition hear about other local public commissions that she has undertaken since setting up home in Torbay: ‘Man and Boy’ in Brixham and ‘Miranda on the Rocks’ at Kingswear.
Whether you are a passionate Christie fan, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about how public monuments come to life, this talk offers a rare glimpse into the artistry, craftsmanship, and local pride woven into creating public works.
***Tickets for this event are free and limited to 30 people seated. Booking essential. ***
ELIZABETH HADLEY
Elisabeth Hadley is a sculptor based in Brixham, Torbay. Originally from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, she moved to Torbay in 1997.
Elisabeth has been working professionally as a sculptor for over thirty years and exhibits in galleries across the South West. Her sculptures are derived from real object sources.
Her work consists of producing limited edition bronze sculptures and she also produces commissions for private and public works of art.
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Where is it happening?
Artizan Collective, Unit 5, Fleet Walk, Fleet Street, Torquay, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherInternational Agatha Christie Festival
