South Devon holiday home of ‘Queen of Crime’ kicks off new series.
BBC Two’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is back for a fourth season, giving us another peek behind the velvet rope at some of the country’s most beautiful historic houses. And first up is Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday home, Greenway in Devon.
Overlooking the River Dart near Brixham, Greenway inspired more than one of the world’s most famous crime writer’s novels. Today, visitors travel from all corners to step inside the world of the ‘Queen of Crime’.
But behind the scenes are a team of experts battling to save Greenway’s priceless heritage. Among Christie’s personal belongings, a fragile silk jacket that once belonged to her mother, Clarissa. This delicate heirloom has seen time take its toll and now the jacket must leave Greenway for specialist conservation. The challenge is on to preserve both the garment itself and the memories it holds for the future.
Elsewhere, a colourful frieze on the library wall represents a fascinating piece of history from the Second World War. Painted by an American officer stationed at the house ahead of the D-Day landings, today the wartime artwork is blistering and peeling away from the wall. It’s down to Conservator Ruth McNeilage to take on the daunting task of stabilising the fragile paint.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is produced by Blast Films in partnership with The Open University and is Executive Produced by Sarah Spencer.
Watch the first episode on Friday 15th May, 9pm on BBC Two, when all episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
And if the episode inspires a visit, Greenway is open daily until the end of October: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway.
Greenway is one of several National Trust locations across Devon to have featured in film and television productions. Devon Film Office can help connect you and assist with any enquiries.
Featured image credit: National Trust, Lauren Hutchinson.
