What a Ripper! by Tim Ross

STAFF REVIEW

There is no question that What A Ripper! will win the hearts of all nostalgic Australians who grew up between the 1960’s and the 1990’s. With 230+ pages that will transport you back in time by means of iconic Australian designed everyday objects that took this country by storm decade after decade. My personal favourite is the super rad Rosebank Stackhat, I had one in bright pink! And my not so favourite (& unfortunate) memory of my dad in way too short Stubbies. But perhaps for you it was the delicious smell of melting cheese when your mum had the Breville ‘Jaffle’ Maker on, or the very sleek and innovative design of the Telecom Touchfone that takes you back to a simpler time?

Wherever you grew up in this incredible country of ours during the last 50 years of the 20th century, I assure you, you will find memory triggers amongst this collection of cutting-edge yet practical designs of everyday objects that perfectly reflect the Australian lifestyle in times past.

Reviewed by Tenniell

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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 creme 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.

Comedian and self-described design nerd Tim Ross takes a nostalgic look at classic objects from the Stackhat to the Speedo.

About the Author: 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.

29 Jul 2025

What a Ripper!: 60 everyday objects that shaped Australia by Tim Ross ISBN 9781761500473