After a short presentation on his favourite iconic designs in the book, Mary (an icon herself) will join him on the stage to talk about her life in design, her creative partnership with her late husband Grant and her passionate design work in the education space.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of our most celebrated designers.

Tim will be available in the Foyer for a book signing after the event.

About What a Ripper! 60 everyday objects that shaped Australia

Comedian and self-described design nerd Tim Ross takes a nostalgic look at classic objects from the Stackhat to the Speedo. There are certain memories that will be familiar to anyone who grew up in Australia between the 1960s and the 1990s. Things like traipsing to the caravan-park toilet with a Dolphin torch at night, indulging in crème de menthe from a Regis glass, lobbing a banana peel at a Nylex flip-top bin and sporting a new Stackhat while riding your BMX bike.

Celebrating 60 objects that were designed and made in Australia, Tim Ross of @modernister transports us back in time and pays tribute to objects that you might be lucky enough to still find in your home or backyard shed. There are colourful photos, previously untold stories and fascinating narratives, making this book equal parts retro-design celebration, pop-culture treasure trove and nostalgic adventure.

What a Ripper! also reveals the high standard of design in this country, which is often overlooked. Now our unique design ingenuity is getting the attention it deserves, helping us to rediscover just how important and meaningful these iconic everyday objects really are.

About Tim Ross

He may be best known for his work on TV and radio (at different times hosting both the number one breakfast and drive shows in Sydney) but comedian Tim Ross has also always had a passion for architecture and design.

Over the last 11 years, he has performed his live Man About the House show in architecturally-significant buildings and homes all over the world. Turning each venue into a temporary theatre, Tim and musical partner Kit Warhurst perform sold-out shows in buildings designed by a who’s who of Australian architecture, including Harry Seidler, Robin Boyd, Glenn Murcutt, John Wardle, Clare Cousins and Roy Grounds.

Tim also passionately supports important issues in Australian architecture and design, in particular the Save Our Sirius campaign, fighting alongside the local community to protect Sydney’s then neglected modernist apartment building, Sirius. In 2018 Tim was awarded the National Trust Heritage Award for Advocacy, which recognised his activism in drawing attention to Australia’s legacy of modernist architecture and promoting its conservation.

About Mary Featherston

Mary Featherston AM (nee Currey) was born in Surrey, England and arrived in Australia in 1953.  She trained in Interior Design at RMIT.  In 1965 she formed a life and professional partnership with Grant Featherston – a partnership that lasted until his death in 1995.  Over a period of thirty years the partnership completed projects across many fields of design including furniture, exhibitions and graphics. Since Grant’s death, Mary has specialised in the development and design of Play/Learning Environments in children’s centres, primary and secondary schools.

In 1996 Grant and Mary were inaugural inductees into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame.  Mary Featherston is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia, a Board Ambassador with the Robin Boyd Foundation, a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Adjunct Professor of RMIT University.

In 2020 Mary was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the arts, especially industrial and interior design.