Wednesday 16th September 2026

John Mallowan: Agatha the Photographer

To conclude the opening day of the Literary Festival, we are thrilled to be able to introduce a talk by John Mallowan on one of Agatha Christie’s many, but lesser known, talents: photography.

Agatha was an integral part of her husband Max’s archaeological dig team. The job titles that could be applied to the roles she performed were: catering manager; pharmacist; conservator; and photographer. These were roles essential for the smooth running of the digs, and showed her hidden talents. The roles were performed quietly in the background and probably not fully appreciated. It is the last of these that this presentation will focus on.

John and his family are very supportive of the Festival so we are thrilled to have him speak this year. He is Max Mallowan’s nephew and spent many happy school holidays with Max and Agatha. John has Agatha’s 16mm cine film from those digs in the Middle East which is now digitised, as well as many of her photographs and colour slides, some of which Max used to illustrate his lectures. These film clips and stills will be used to illustrate the talk.
This is a unique and very exciting opportunity for Festival goers to view some never-seen-before footage and photographs of an important aspect of Agatha’s life with Max.

Gallery

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 only have one evening event 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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