Michael Parker among his vast collection at The Grainery in Murwillumbah. Photos: John Gass
Michael Parker among his vast collection at The Grainery in Murwillumbah. Photos: John Gass

Memorabilia maze closing down

WALKING into The Grainery at Murwillumbah is like walking on to the set of an adventure movie.

The shed is a veritable phantasmagoria with lamps of every colour and style and a range of goods that sparkle and amaze like a modern-day Aladdin’s Cave.

An emporium of every possible thing you can imagine from antique cars through to goblets resembling the romantic’s vision of the Holy Grail and fantastically elaborate Capodimonte chandeliers, the collection is literally stunning.

Collector Michael Parker has spent 50 years building up this collection that draws film makers and actors, visitors from all over the world and gob-smacked children like moths to a flame.

“I’d have to say I have everything,” Mr Parker said. “Right down to the humble kitchen sink.”

He even has a hand-drawn Chinese rickshaw.

Built in 1932 by the Budd family to house grain, and used as a base by the army in World War II, Mr Parker bought the shed in an extremely rundown condition, with the roof caving in and walls missing.

“The original plan was to house my 25 vintage cars in the shed,” he said.

The building is now packed to the rafters with a collection that includes more than 45,000 light shades and 35,000 books.

He makes most of the lamps and lights from scratch.

“I’ve accumulated every possible component and fitting over the years,” he said.

“There’s nothing I can’t do with a light.”

The Grainery is having a 50% off closing down sale.

“Come in and make me an offer,” he said.

Asked what he’ll do once the shed is sold, Mr Parker said he would play golf and chase a singing career.

“I discovered my singing voice by accident,” Mr Parker said. “My car radio packed it in six years ago and I started to sing instead. That’s when I discovered I have a pretty good singing voice.”



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