Police launch review into cold case murder of legendary Sydney designer
NSW Police are launching a review into the death of a legendary Australian fabric and wallpaper designer who was murdered in 1977.
Detective have confirmed the fresh probe into the brutal killing of Florence Broadhurst, whose striking creations remain popular today.
The 78-year-old was brutally bashed at her Paddington factory in 1977.
No charges were ever laid, and the murder file later went missing.
She was found by a male assistant the next morning.
The investigation into her death, which is one of Australia’s best known unsolved cases, is the focus of the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Unit.
One theory is she was killed by the notorious ‘Granny Killer’, John Glover, but he never confessed to her death and is now dead.
He was convicted of killing six women across Sydney from 1989-1990.
NSW Police said in a statement: “Florence Broadhurst, aged 78, was last seen at a business on Royalston Street, Paddington, about 3.40pm on Saturday 15 October 1977.
“The next day, police attended the business and located her body.
“An investigation was commenced at the time, however, no one has ever been arrested or charged over her murder.
“The case is currently undergoing a review as part of the Unsolved Homicide Unit’s review framework.”
Broadhurst was born in remote Queensland but fashioned a glamourous life including attending finishing school in China and working as a French courtier in London.
However, some of her exotic existence was dreamed up- she claimed to be an English a aristocrat than a Queenslander
She launched her luxury wallpaper business when she was 60.
Years after her death, her designs were rediscovered and now adorn everything from furnishings to swimwear.
