Derham Groves – författare

“Derham Groves has written this illuminating story of an exceptional but hitherto unsung Australian architect whose distinctive designs in China as well as his homeland may still be seen and enjoyed. In this book Groves has for the first time revealed some characteristic strands of Arthur Purnell’s talents, whereby his subject’s remarkable creativity is now clear for us to enjoy.”

Arthur Purnell’s ‘Forgotten’ Architecture: Canton and Cars focuses on two early phases in the career of the much overlooked and underrated Australian architect, Arthur Purnell (1878–1964). In 1903, Purnell teamed up with the American engineer, Charles Paget (1874–1933) in Canton, China. Between 1903 and 1910, Purnell and Paget designed many important and impressive buildings, including the Arnhold, Karberg & Co. building (1907), one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Southern China, and the South China Cement Factory (1907), which would later become the headquarters of Dr. Sun Yatsen (1866–1925), the first president of the Republic of China. Not many architects can design a cement factory fit for a president’s palace! When Purnell returned to Australia in 1910, he had to start again from scratch. As cars were taking over from horses in a big way, he saw that designing for cars would be the next big thing in architecture. The fledgling Australian car industry was full of colourful, larger-than-life characters like Col. Harley Tarrant (1860–1949), who built his first car in 1897 and Australia’s first petrol-fuelled car in 1901, and Alec Barlow Sr. (1880–1937), the archetypal dodgy car salesman. Purnell wanted in, designing many buildings for both men, including early car factories and car showrooms. In this unique book, Groves asks: why isn’t Arthur Purnell more famous?

Australian Western in the Fifties: Kangaroo, Hopalong Cassidy on Tour, and Whiplash looks at Australian Westerns from three points of view—film, personal appearance, and television at the beginning, middle, and end of the 1950s, the American Western’s golden age. It looks at three significant but “forgotten” cases: (1) Kangaroo: The Australian Story, the first Technicolor film made in Australia, produced by the Hollywood movie studio 20th Century Fox, directed by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Lewis Milestone, starring Maureen O’Hara, Peter Lawford, and Richard Boone. (2) The successful goodwill tour of Australia by the Hollywood actor William Boyd who played the film, radio, and television cowboy Hopalong Cassidy. (3) The British-American produced black-and-white TV series Whiplash, made in Australia and starring the Hollywood actor Peter Graves. The American filmmakers’ ignorance of Australia meant they learned the hard waythere was more to Australian Westerns than simply replacing the prairie with the bush, bison with kangaroos, and Native Americans with Aboriginals. Indeed, the depiction of place and the presentation of Aboriginal culture are two of the most intriguing aspects of Australian Westerns. In retelling the filmmakers’ stories, a unique picture of the Australian film and television industry and everyday life during the 1950s is revealed.  

This book delves into the fascinating and often overlooked history of Walt Disney''s influence in Australia, tracing the cultural impact of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck from their inception in 1928 to the end of the Vietnam War. The author uncovers how Disney became intertwined with Australian popular culture, reflecting significant technological advancements and global events such as the introduction of radio and television, the Cold War, and more. The chapters investigate a range of topics, including Disney''s dual role as a symbol of American culture and a mirror to Australian society. Readers will discover how Disney characters were perceived in Australia during pivotal moments in history, offering both entertainment and commentary on contemporary issues. The author provides expert analysis of Disney''s complex legacy, examining both its positive contributions to Australian media and controversial aspects. This book invites readers to consider critical questions about cultural exchange and influence, making it a must-read for media and cultural history scholars looking to understand the intricate relationship between Disney and Australian culture, and indeed how global media can shape national identity and societal values. Whether you are a researcher in cultural studies or simply an enthusiast interested in Disney''s global impact, this book provides a comprehensive look at an essential chapter in Australia''s cultural narrative.