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The moment I knew: I thought he was a handsome, arrogant colleague – then the tension between us broke

The Guardian UK Saturday 18 July 2026, 20:00 UTC By Alison Muir 1 min read
Key Points

At work, Alison Muir’s relationship with Peter Thorn veered between flirtation and hostility, until one day he stopped sidestepping his feelingsFind more stories from the moment I knew seriesIn 1990, I’d started an exciting job as executive assistant to the director and chief curator of the not-yet-opened Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. On my first day, I was introduced to Peter, the museum’s talented publications manager. I smiled as I shook his hand, but he made no distinct impression.

At work, Alison Muir’s relationship with Peter Thorn veered between flirtation and hostility, until one day he stopped sidestepping his feelings

In 1990, I’d started an exciting job as executive assistant to the director and chief curator of the not-yet-opened Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. On my first day, I was introduced to Peter, the museum’s talented publications manager. I smiled as I shook his hand, but he made no distinct impression.

As I settled into my role, I felt as if he was deliberately avoiding me. I chalked it up to his apparent conceit as, along with good looks, he had a swagger and confidence that made half the female staff infatuated with him.

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Alison Muir’s (PERSON) Peter Thorn (PERSON) Museum of Contemporary Art (ORG) Sydney (LOCATION) Peter (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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