Thursday 18th September 2025, 12:00am

Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in Crime

The Agatha Christie Festival are delighted to bring you this wonderful evening celebrating the artwork of Tom Adams, creator of numerous iconic Agatha Christie book covers. The event begins with a talk by David Morris, author of CollectingChristie.com, who will share exclusive insights into the creative genius of Tom Adams in his talk entitled Tom Adams: The Art of the Artist. An original retrospective into Tom Adams' iconic Agatha Christie book covers. Following David's talk attendees are invited to join us at the adjacent Torre Abbey Museum for a drinks reception that celebrates the launch of a new and related exhibit 'Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in Crime'. You will have exclusive access to view the exhibition before its opening to the public on Friday 19th September.

Talk and Exhibition Preview

Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in Crime

5.30pm-7.45pm

Tom Adams: The Art of the Artist.

An original retrospective into Tom Adams' iconic Agatha Christie book covers

5.30pm-6.30pm

Cover artist Tom Adams created numerous iconic Agatha Christie book covers, mostly in the 1960s, '70s & '80s but also as recently as the 2010s. In this illustrated talk David Morris, author of CollectingChristie.com, will share exclusive insights into the creative genius of Tom Adams. With his unprecedented access to the artist’s archives, this talk will reveal never-before-seen material showing how Tom’s artistic processes brought these covers to life. David’s research into his source material, studio photographs and collage techniques has led to many fascinating discoveries, all of which will be shared, making this an event not to be missed. The presentation will also feature a special guest appearance from Tom’s widow and noted children’s author, Georgie Adams.

David Morris is the author and editor of the authoritative website CollectingChristie.com. He has been a popular presenter at the Agatha Christie Festival for the last three years. His article Agatha Christie’s Plays: From Playscripts to Playbills was published by Concord Theatricals in 2023. More recently, his discovery of and research into two Agatha Christie playscripts for the US market was recently published by The Shubert Archives in their publication The Passing Show.

Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in Crime

Exhibition Launch

6.30pm-7.45pm

Following David Morris’ talk, 'The Art of the Artist', attendees will be invited to join us at the adjacent Torre Abbey Museum for a drinks reception that celebrates the launch of a new and related exhibit 'Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in Crime'. You will have exclusive access to view the exhibition before its opening to the public on Friday 19th September. You will enjoy seeing numerous Tom Adams’ original paintings along with archival material that shows how Tom’s artistic processes brought these covers to life - almost all of which has never been available to the public before and likely will not be again. This makes the exhibition a unique opportunity to view Tom Adams' original artwork and learn about the stories behind Tom’s creativity. The Agatha Christie Festival are honoured to be involved in this very special and exclusive event and thank the generosity of Georgie Adams and her family, as well as David Morris, for sharing Tom’s remarkable artwork and story.

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we have no evening events in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

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