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Agatha Christie's 'insightful' letters up for auction
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Agatha Christie's 'insightful' letters up for auction

#Agatha Christie #auction #letters #Greenway House #Phyllis Rice #signed books #Wiltshire #crime author

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Agatha Christie's personal items including letters and signed books are up for auction
  • The collection includes instructions for caring for Christie's dogs at Greenway House
  • Six letters to housekeeper Phyllis Rice reveal details about Christie's personal life
  • The auction at Wessex Auction Rooms is expected to exceed £1,000 with international interest

📖 Full Retelling

A collection of personal items from English crime author Agatha Christie's housekeeper Phyllis Rice will go under the hammer at Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham, Wiltshire, on Friday, with the auction starting at 12:00 GMT, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of the world's best-selling author. The five-lot collection, which has been carefully preserved by Rice's family for decades, includes six letters addressed to Rice and detailed instructions on how to care for Christie's beloved dogs at Greenway House, Christie's holiday home in Devon. Among the valuable items are first editions of 'Five Little Pigs' and 'Star Over Bethlehem,' both personally signed by Christie, along with housekeeper's notes containing contact details for Christie's literary agent, doctor, builder, and solicitor. Auctioneer Bridget Meadows expressed excitement about the collection, noting that these items provide 'a wonderful insight into Agatha Christie's personal life' and have garnered significant interest from enthusiasts worldwide, with hopes of exceeding the top estimate of £1,000.

🏷️ Themes

Literary Heritage, Personal Memorabilia, Auction News

📚 Related People & Topics

Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie

English mystery and detective writer (1890–1976)

Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Mallowan, Lady Mallowan (née Miller, 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976), usually known by her first married name, Agatha Christie, was an English author known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short-story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detecti...

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Wiltshire

Wiltshire

County of England

Wiltshire (; abbreviated to Wilts) is a ceremonial county in South West England. It borders Gloucestershire to the north, Oxfordshire to the north-east, Berkshire to the east, Hampshire to the south-east and south, Dorset to the south, and Somerset to the west. The largest settlement is Swindon.

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Mentioned Entities

Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie

English mystery and detective writer (1890–1976)

 Wiltshire

Wiltshire

County of England

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The auction of Agatha Christie's personal letters offers a rare glimpse into the author's private life and relationships, enriching literary scholarship. It also highlights the enduring commercial and cultural value of Christie's legacy, attracting collectors worldwide.

Context & Background

  • Agatha Christie was a prolific crime novelist with 66 detective novels
  • The letters were kept by Christie's family and recently released for auction
  • The items include signed first editions and personal correspondence with her housekeeper

What Happens Next

The auction will take place at Wessex Auction Rooms on Friday, with an estimated top bid of £1,000. Successful bidders will acquire items that shed light on Christie's domestic routines and personal connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Phyllis Rice?

Phyllis Rice was Agatha Christie's former housekeeper at Greenway House, responsible for managing the holiday home.

What items are included in the auction?

The auction features six letters to Rice, notes on feeding Christie’s dogs, and first editions of Five Little Pigs and Star Over Bethlehem signed by Christie.

When and where will the auction take place?

The auction will begin at 12:00 GMT on Friday at Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

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Original Source
Agatha Christie's 'insightful' letters up for auction 8 hours ago Share Save Dawn Limbu West of England Share Save A collection of items from English crime author Agatha Christie's housekeeper are set to make more than £1,000 at auction. Items from Phyllis Rice, the former housekeeper of Christie's holiday home Greenway House in Devon, will go under the hammer at Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham, Wiltshire, on Friday. Among the items are six letters addressed to Rice and notes with instructions on how to feed Christie's much-loved dogs. Auctioneer Bridget Meadows said: "These lots form a wonderful insight into Agatha Christie's personal life at Greenway House." "The collection has been tucked away by the family until recently, so it has been a real privilege to research and catalogue all of the items and learn a little more about one of the world's favourite authors," Meadows added. The five lot collection also includes first editions of Five Little Pigs and Star Over Bethlehem, both signed by Christie. Christie is the world's best-selling author of all time and is known for her 66 detective novels, including Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile. Born in Torquay, Devon, in 1890, she died in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, aged 85 in 1976. The items up for sale include six letters to Rice detailing everything from compliments on alterations made to Christie's clothing by Rice and details of payments for said alterations. There are also details of Rice's trial period at Greenway House. The letters also contain a group of housekeeper's notes from Greenway cottage, including various contact details for her literary agent, doctor, builder, solicitor and others. "We have, unsurprisingly had interest from enthusiasts around the world, so I am hoping that we exceed the top estimate of £1,000," said Meadows. The auction is set to begin at 12:00 GMT on Friday. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook , X and Instagram . Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp o...
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