I have finally completed my edition of accordion fold books
for inclusion in the Artist Books 3.0 #12 (biography/autobiography)
Collaborative Mail Art Group project.
"Missing"
The subject I chose to explore was Agatha Christie, specifically
the 11 days in December of 1926 she went missing.
I was originally going to poke a bit of fun,
making various disguises in which Ms Agatha
might have been spotted.
However, on re-reading information about the
personal angst which Ms Agatha was suffering at the time,
I thought it would be inconsiderate to make fun of her
obvious state of desolation, even after all these years.
Herewith are the two pieces of writing
included with the book (the first being a copy of the
missing notice posted after Ms Agatha's disappearance,
offering a detailed (though not wholly flattering) description of her at the time:
BERKSHIRE CONSTABULARY.
WOKINGHAM DIVISION.
9th December
1926
MISSING
From her home
“Styles” Sunningdale in this Division
Mrs. Agatha Mary Clarissa CHRISTIE
(WIFE OF COLONEL A. CHRISTIE)
AGE 35 YEARS,
HEIGHT 5FT 7”. HAIR RED (Shingled),
NATURAL TEETH,
EYES GREY,
COMPLEXION
FAIR, WELL BUILT.
DRESSED –
Grey Stockingette Skirt,
Green Jumper,
Grey and dark Grey Cardigan,
small Green
Velour Hat, may have hand bag
containing
5-10 pounds. Left home in
4 seater
Morris Cowley car at 9.45 p.m.
on 3rd
December leaving note saying she was
going for a
drive. The next morning the
car was found
abandoned at Newlands
Corner,
Albury, Surrey.
Should this
lady be seen or any information
regarding her
be obtained please communicate
to any Police
Station, or to
CHARLES
GODDARD, Superintendent
WOKINGHAM.
Telephone No. 11 Wokingham
1926 was a tumultuous year for
Agatha Christie. Agatha’s books were
beginning to gain in popularity, pushing her reluctantly into the
spotlight. Her ailing mother, Clarissa,
died of bronchitis in early February.
Agatha’s husband, Archie, professed his distaste of grief and sadness
and resolutely remained in Spain refusing to return to support Agatha through
the funeral, her grief and the ordeal of sorting through her childhood home
whilst caring for their young daughter.
When Archie did eventually return to England he took up residence in
London, far away from their home in Surrey. He took a mistress, Nancy Neele,
who shared his passion for golf. It is
believed Agatha, a shy, reserved person, quietly suffered a nervous breakdown
after a year filled with personal trauma.
On the 3rd
December, after Archie left for a weekend house party to announce his
engagement to his mistress, Agatha slipped quietly from their home “Styles” and
disappeared for eleven days. After a
nation wide manhunt she was found safe at the Hydropathic Hotel and Spa at
Harrogate, claiming she was not aware of who she was or what she was doing there.
Her disappearance has sparked
much conjecture through the years, however, Agatha refused to ever speak of the
events.
