COMEDIAN and self-proclaimed “design nerd” Tim Ross is the mastermind behind The Workshops Rail Museum’s popular exhibition Reception This Way.

The exhibition is a nostalgic look at a time when the roadside motel was an integral part of the Australian holiday experience.

When motels began springing up in the 1950s, they represented a new, stylish and sophisticated way to travel.

Reception This Way takes a trip back in time, travelling around the country revisiting memories of the classic Aussie motel, from family holidays and long road trips in the sweltering summer heat, to continental breakfasts and mid-century mod cons.

Consisting of a collection of photographs and promotional film footage, the exhibition was developed by the National Archives of Australia in collaboration with Tim Ross.

Ross is best known for his work on TV and radio, hosting both the number one breakfast and drive shows in Sydney.

He started out performing stand-up comedy with Merrick Watts as part of the duo Merrick and Rosso.

His passion for architecture and design though has come to the attention of audiences as the presenter of the ABC shows Streets of Your Town and Designing a Legacy. He passionately supports important issues in Australian architecture and design, and in 2018 was awarded the National Trust Heritage Award for Advocacy.

In 2019, he was awarded the National President’s Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects, then in 2022 he was not only asked to be a member of the National Architecture Awards jury, but also awarded an honorary member of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Reception This Way: Motels – A Sentimental Journey with Tim Ross runs at The Workshops until December 12 and is free with general admission.