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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Alison Muir

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

Alison Muir and Peter Thorn on their wedding day in 1991
Alison Muir and Peter Thorn on their wedding day in 1991 Composite: Guardian Design/Alison Muir

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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