Putney shoppers have been unravelling the mystery of a unique art exhibition in the area.

The Exchange Shopping Centre is hosting the creation of one of 50 ‘Book Benches’, which will pop up across London throughout the summer.

Surrey Comet:

The National Literacy Trust project will see benches shaped like open books decorated to celebrate the work of famous writers.

Putney-based artist Mandii Pope will be working from a unit in the Exchange until June 6.

Ms Pope, who is originally from New Zealand, is recreating the cover of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Hercule Poirot and the Greenshore Folly.’

The story is better known as Dead Man’s Folly, and the iconic cover art of the original novel was painted by Tom Adams.

It has not yet been disclosed where her finished work will be placed, but it will form part on art trail coming to the capital in July.