Agatha! A Continuing Inspiration
VICTORIA KINGHAM at the Stables Gallery
As far as one can tell, Agatha Christie never lived here. Among other exotic locations, she lived variously in Devon, Oxfordshire, Cheshire, Egypt, and the Canary Islands, and famously once disappeared and was discovered two weeks later at a spa in Harrogate – a ‘mystery’ unsolved to this day.
If Hastings was not her chosen residence, she immortalised the name. Her Captain Hastings appeared in only eight of her thirty-three books, but Hugh Fraser’s depiction on the TV mysteries which endlessly circulate the Freeview channels, as the brave, loyal, credulous, good-natured but slightly stupid friend of the great Poirot, is the stuff of legend.
The Stables exhibition called for paintings inspired by Christie and her work. It’s fun and interesting, and showcases new work by a number of talented artists, among them Tessa Thonett and Yvonne Rees, works pictured here. There are several of The Uninvited Guest, possibly because that’s the latest play to be shown at The Stables. There are a number of portraits of Christie, young and old, and occasional ones inspired by book titles, but (a little disappointingly, given the obvious name association) none have anything to do with Captain Hastings.
The Stables continues to show a creditable and tasteful selection of local art works. I’m always delighted to visit the small gallery, and there is always a welcome and a conversation. The exhibition continues until 21 December; well worth a visit.
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