In 1990, Alison Muir began working as executive assistant to the director and chief curator at the not-yet-opened Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. On her first day, she met Peter Thorn, the museum's publications manager. She smiled and shook his hand, but he made no distinct impression at first.
An Arrogant Colleague or Hidden Feelings?
As Alison settled into her role, she felt Peter was deliberately avoiding her. She attributed this to his apparent conceit, as along with good looks, he had a swagger and confidence that made half the female staff infatuated with him. In December, while collecting a memo blown by her desk fan, she noticed Peter walking by carrying a heavy box. He was tall, blond, and wearing a white T-shirt that showed his tanned skin and strong arms. Suddenly, she noticed how truly handsome he was. His offhandedness made him even more attractive.
Alison began paying attention. After meetings, she would pop into his office with leftover fresh coffee and shortbread. When he arrived at the director's office, she gave an extra-warm smile and a friendly hello. He wasn't overly keen on her attention. Then one day she mentioned his motorbike, and he asked if she would like to go for a ride. She coolly replied, "Sure." The next morning he arrived with an extra helmet, and by noon they were on an epic lunchtime ride to a harbourside park. He handled the curves like a pro, and when they reached the beach he complimented her skills as a pillion. After that outing, they became much more friendly.
The Chocolate Cake Incident
A few weeks later, Alison was grabbing lunch and spied a last slice of delicious-looking chocolate cake. Knowing Peter was a fan, she bought it. She popped the slice into his pigeonhole in the print room along with a friendly note dated 13 February 1991. She was photocopying when Peter came in to get his mail and found the cake. She had a smile on her face waiting for him to thank her. But his response was totally unexpected. He was furious. How dare she write him a note, especially on the day before Valentine's Day! "Stop flirting with me and leave me alone," he said. Incensed, Alison told him to sod off and stop thinking so highly of himself. It was only a piece of cake. She decided he really was arrogant.
A couple of weeks passed, and they hadn't spoken unless absolutely necessary. The tension was so great that one time a colleague walked into the print room as they were separately doing tasks, then retreated with an "Oh, I'm sorry" and a knowing smile. They looked up quizzically before ignoring each other again.
The Turning Point: Files on the Floor
In March, they still weren't speaking. Then Alison was tasked with refiling an ad hoc system involving spreading files across the floor before re-cataloguing. She was sitting in the middle of this mess when Peter appeared with a notebook and coffee on his way to a meeting. She thought: if he cuts across, it's love; if he goes the long way around, it's war. She looked at him, not unkindly, when he started picking his way through the files. She smiled and said hello. He smiled back and said hello. It was love with no turning back.
By April they were engaged, and in September 1991 they married. They were incredibly happy even though they were thought of as opposites. Peter was observant and serious as well as a risk-taker, artist, book collector, and wine connoisseur. Alison was more social, always ready for fun, and possibly a little careless.
A Life Together
Peter made Alison more thoughtful and diplomatic. Even through very tough times, their bond was strong and their love endured. They laughed every day, enjoyed the thrill of dancing in the kitchen, and their three gorgeous sons brought them so much joy. Their youngest son Jack, also an artist, now works at the Museum of Contemporary Art. For 34 years they were there for each other. Then in May 2025, Alison's brave, beloved Peter died from Parkinson's.
Peter did tell her that when he met her, he immediately thought, "She's trouble" and made sure they only spoke if it was work-related – because the moment he saw her he knew he could love her. Sometimes he would playfully call her "Trouble." But trouble or not, true love always finds a way.
