What a Ripper!

60 everyday objects that shaped Australia

Tim Ross

$39.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Murdoch Books
29 July 2025

History; Australasian & Pacific history; Popular culture; Antiques & collectables

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.

By: Tim Ross
Imprint: Murdoch Books
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 215mm, Width: 170mm,
Weight: 806g
ISBN: 9781761500473
ISBN 10: 1761500473
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 29 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Comedian Tim 'Rosso' Ross may be best known for his work on TV and radio, but he also has a passion for design, architecture and the glory days of Australia in the '60s, '70s and '80s. A long-time advocate for Australian modernist architecture and its conservation, Tim has received the National Trust Heritage Award for Advocacy and the National President's Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects. He is also an honorary member of the latter. His two-part, award-winning television series on Australian architecture, Streets of Your Town, premiered on ABC TV in November 2016 to rave reviews and quickly became the most-watched arts program on the ABC for the year. His live show about why architecture matters, Designing A Legacy, premiered at the Sydney Opera House and then became a TV show for the ABC. Tim also has a podcast with Kevin McCloud, Tim and Kev's Big Design Adventure! Tim's other books include Mum had a Kingswood, Scorcher, The Rumpus Room, Motel, Bewdy and Chuck A U-ey: Images of Australians and their Cars. Find him on Instagram @modernister.