Peter Timms – författare

In this provocative book, Peter Timms asks confronting questions. Why is contemporary art so in thrall to spruikers and promoters, and why do their extravagant claims so rarely match the reality? Why does the market have such power, and how does it dictate the sort of art we are allowed to see? Why are art schools, museums and the media apparently so eager to fall in line with commercial expectations?

In and Around Swindon Works covers further aspects of the famous manufacturing centre of the Great Western Railway during its heyday of 1930 to 1960. This is the second half of a detailed work begun with the book Working at Swindon Works 1930 - 1960. In piecemeal form, much has been written about Swindon Works but many aspects of it have remained, until now, neglected. From ex-employees, both male and female, and printed material such as surviving GWR circulars and internal documents, the author has compiled a comprehensive study. Manufacturing processes, factory conditions, senior staff, office routines, design and development, training and the significance of the Works within the railway company are all covered to some extent. There are chapters on: raw materials and General Stores, the Drawing Office, steam and diesel locomotive building and overhaul, the Carriage and Wagon department and its staff, wartime conditions and war work, CME accounts, fires, accidents, housing, medical care and, as the title suggests, there is something of the home and social life of the staff as well. The end result is not complete but so long after the events, it''s ''near enough'' as old Swindonians would have said.

MONA has done a lot more than just rescue a flagging tourism economy. It has changed the city’s body language, teaching it to stand up straight and look others squarely in the eye, even putting on a swagger in its step. From Hobart’s convict legacy, its spectacular natural setting, heritage architecture and climate, to crime rates, economic hardship and new developments, not to mention the game-changer that is MONA, Timms brings a wealth of fresh insights, exploring the city with a mixture of affection, admiration, frustration and sadness. He interviews a wide range of residents along the way – many of whom, given the weather, might be found in Gore-Tex and beanies. Those who have experienced Hobart as tourists will be surprised and intrigued by the complex society and history this book reveals. Those who live here will surely discover their city anew, propelled by the author’s fondness for it. Now with a new introduction where Tims reflects on what has been nothing short of a tourism-driven revolution since Hobart was first published in 2009.New edition of a classic with a new Introduction in which Timms reflects on how much – and how little – Hobart has changed since his book was first published in 2009, before MONA, before more people started moving there and before water restrictions in summerThe writing is wonderfully evocative – literary non-fiction at its finestForeword by Robert DessaixOriginally published as In Search of Hobart, this was the first book published in the City Series – the arrival of MONA means it has already been updated onceWill be supported with marketing campaign and local events