I’m a big fan of mysteries and especially of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. I’m also a fan of art deco design.
Much of the world of Hercule Poirot is influenced by the art deco movement. We can see it in the Poirot books as well as the architecture and furniture of the films and television series.
Art Deco in Print
Many of Agatha Christie’s books, such as the Hercule Poirot series, feature covers that are inspired by art deco design as seen in the typography and illustrations.
Art Deco in Motion
But some of the most impressive examples of art deco can be found in the theme sequence of ITV’s Poirot television series. I’ve probably watched the opening theme hundreds of times, but I am still impressed by it every time.
Art Deco Architecture of Poirot
More Examples of Art Deco Architecture
- Art Deco (Britain)
- Art Deco Buildings
Huge collection of art deco buildings throughout the world (includes some of the locations used in the filming of the Poirot ITV series) - Art Deco – a Set on Flickr
- Art Deco Architecture Flickr Group
The art deco movement had a huge impact on the world in the early 1900’s, and through architecture, typography and movies and television, it continues to inspire us as designers.
What examples of art deco have you found? Tell us about it in the comments.






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13 Comments to 'Art Deco Inspiration: Agatha Christie’s Poirot'
January 9th, 2009
Great blog. I love the Poirot series and spent a wonderful night at Burgh Island where Christie stayed and set two of her books and has been used in the TV series aswell.
There are lots of Art Deco Societies around the world. LA, NY, Asheville, Chicago, Miami, Tulsa and many more US cities have great organisations. There are a few in Australian including the Art Deco and Modernism Society (artdeco.org.au) with chapters in Melbourne, Adelaide & Tasmania. Of course there is the Twentieth Century Society in the UK and the Art Deco Trust in Napier, New Zealand (rebuilt after an earthquake in 1931).
There is an Art Deco World Congress every two years. In May 2009 it is in Montreal, Canada (http://www.artdecomontreal.com/congress/en/).
Thanks for the link to my Art Deco Buildings blog (artdecobuildings.blogspot.com) and there is a great blog of Art Deco pics at (artdecoblog.blogspot.com).
February 21st, 2009
I too have watched the opening graphics a number of times. As an avid collector of Art Deco, especially posters, I would dearly love a copy of the train passing the funnels of smoke. Any suggestions?
February 22nd, 2009
@Sylvia – I don’t know where you would find a print of the train, but Pat Gavin was the designer who did the title/opening sequence for the Poirot series.
You can also see some screenshots from the opening sequence on the Gallery at Hercule Poirot Central’s website. These are not print quality, but still interesting to look at.
March 9th, 2009
Nice to see my photos are appreciated! You are welcome to use them. (Wouldn’t mind an ascription, though …)
April 3rd, 2009
I too have watched countles times, the train, the spotlight etc., at the start of Poirot, and never cease to be amazed at the frisson of excitement they cause; I only wish I could let the creator of them know just how much they are appreciated!
June 13th, 2009
So does anyone know which font is used in the titles and closing scenes of this series? Thanks!
July 2nd, 2009
@Rosalie Whitehead –
Apparently it’s called Plaza, I found the answer here: http://answers.yahoo.com/quest.....915AAz0vyt
And they linked to the actual font here:
http://www.linotype.com/1348/plaza-family.html
September 29th, 2009
Can someone tell me the name of the artist or graphic designer who has produced the wonderful opening thematic sequence for Poirot?
And do you know who did it for Jeeves and Wooster?
I think they are marvellous!
September 29th, 2009
@Charles Harris – It’s mentioned above in the comments as Pat Gavin.
I couldn’t find much online about him, though.
I love the Jeeves and Wooster opening sequence too. I believe it was Derek Hayes who directed the animation:
http://www.britfilms.com/briti.....OrN1E9BE07 – I’m not sure if he did the actual animation or not though.
Anne Dudley composed the music.
October 30th, 2009
< I have been searching everywhere and would love a copy of the train passing the funnels of smoke or indeed any of the opening titles.
Any suggestions please?
November 16th, 2009
thanks for the info, I LOVE the series of Poirot and i love the art déco too, i started to reed agatha when i have 10 and i still loving her books
greting from chile!!!
January 10th, 2010
The Brits refer to buildings such as the De La Warr Pavillion and the home used in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as Modern Style or International Modern. Contrast “Whitehaven Mansions”, truly Art Déco with those with thoseFrom the Art Moderne, of course. There is an interesting article http://nwrenovation.com/archir.....the-1930s/ Also, http://www.london-footprints.c.....obldgs.htm and THE site, http://www.C20society.org.uk http://www.tvlocations.net, under Poirot, has photos of some of the locations used in filming the series. http://www.e.architect.co/uk/modern_homes.htm has a photo of Lishmor House (Kininmouth + Basil) in Edinburgh. I’ve been told that there are quite a number of homes inthe modern style in the area. It served as anexterior in one of the Poirot episodes but I cannot recall which one. Enjoy!
February 25th, 2010
Way cool
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