Artist Books 3.0 #12 - Biography - "Missing"

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.

                       9^th 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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.