
15/07/2025
It’s always terrific to spend time with Piper Press founders Margaret Bishop and John Dunn, two people at the heart of the drive to save Sirius and its residents in Millers Point, back in 2015/16.
Margaret and John were both accomplished visual arts teachers, examination markers, mentors, writers and passionate supporters of the arts 37 years ago, when they began Piper Press. They decided to give a profile to artists who were underserved by the arts industry: women and ingenious artists have been a central focus since that time. They began by publishing books for secondary schools on art, photography and dance. In 1995 they published Fever Pitch, on the work of Tracey Moffatt, who was emerging in her career. They saved up to support artists by purchasing work if they could, including the now-famous work “Something More”. They also rallied their friends around the cause and they too bought works by many emerging artists. Their next books included more emerging talent: Fiona Hall, Julie Rrap, and later William Robinson, Rosemary Laing, Patricia Piccinini, Del Kathryn Barton, and Bronwyn Oliver.
Most of the artists Margaret and John supported became recognised Australian artists here and abroad, and their books were authored by talented arts writers such as Julie Ewington, Victoria Lynn, Luise Guest and Hannah Fink. The artists have all entered national, commercial and private collections, and become represented by the best gallerists in Australia including Roslyn and Tony Oxley.
In the 2000s they branched out to more photography titles and architectural history, winning the 2020 Adrian Ashton Prize for Architectural Culture & Literature for the book SIRIUS. While the global pandemic was an interruption, it was also a time for new beginnings. We are continuing Margaret and John’s legacy, while they enjoy a much deserved retirement!
Alexei and Kathryn