2018-02-06
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — I wish to pay tribute to Muriel Rose Craddock, who died on 6 December 2017 aged 105. In 1965 Muriel, her husband Les and daughter Kay opened the Essendon Treasure Chest, selling second-hand books and bric-a-brac. Sadly, Les died not long after, but Muriel and Kay, while they were grief stricken at the loss of Les, decided to continue with the business, which became the Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller and has grown into one of the most renowned and respected antiquarian bookshops in the world. After moving premises to Flinders Lane, Bourke Street and Russell Street, it moved to the current premises in the Assembly Hall in Collins Street. The shop has been described as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, and I can attest to that.
Muriel was a great friend to my family, particularly my father, who passed away in 2007, and to my mother. We all bought books from Kay Craddock's bookshop, including a box set of the works of George Eliot I purchased. Muriel remained active in the business until recent years. I extend my condolences to her daughters, Patricia, Kay and Julie; her sons-in-law, Hans, Jonathan and Graeme; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Muriel was a remarkable woman who lived a long and fruitful life. She was a beloved wife, dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a good friend to all those who knew her and an icon in Melbourne.