Tim Bobbin era o pseudónimo de John Collier, nascido em Urmston em 1708.
Publicada em 1750 a obra-prima de Tim Bobbin em dialecto cómico foi um grande sucesso no norte de Inglaterra. Foi reimpressa, e, mais tarde, apareceram mais edições, e foi pirateadas por impressores sem escrúpulos.
John Collier era um artista talentoso e expunha o seu trabalho em pubs. Rapi-damente o seu  trabalho teve muita procura.
Morreu a 14 de Julho de 1786. Está enterrado em Rochdale.

Tim Bobbin was the pseudonym of John Collier, born in Urmston in 1708.
Published in 1750 Tim Bobbin’s comic dialect masterpiece was a great success in the north of England. It was reprinted, further editions appeared and it was pirated by unscrupulous printers.
John Collier was an accomplished artist and displayed his work in pubs. It was soon in great demand.
Apart from a brief, unhappy move to Yorkshire, John remained in Milnrow until his death on 14th July 1786. He lies buried in Rochdale Churchyard.