Legendary culinary figure Margaret Fulton OAM has passed away at the age of 94.
Fulton’s family confirmed her passing on 24 July, and said they were “mourning the loss of their loving, inspirational and treasured mother, grandmother and great-grandmother early this morning”.
Known for her role as food editor of Woman’s Day and for penning more than 20 cookbooks, including the iconic The Margaret Fulton Cookbook released in 1968, Fulton opened up a new world for everyday Australians, one that encompassed so much more than meat and three veg.
In 1983, she was awarded the the Order of Australia Medal ‘in recognition of service to the media as a journalist and writer in the field of cookery’ and was named as a National Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1998.
The culinary industry has paid tribute to Fulton, with chef Kylie Kwong calling her a ‘trailblazer’ in an Instagram post. “Your natural charm, warmth and legendary ‘cheekiness’ kept us inspired, smiling and entertained always Margaret. Thank you for giving us courage and for showing we Australian women the way forward in the kitchen.”
Maggie Beer also paid her respects to Fulton. “Margaret has had such an impact on cooking in Australia giving so many confidence in the kitchen,” she wrote on Instagram. “With a fire in the belly that never diminished; she had an indomitable spirit and such a closeness to her family.”
Fulton is survived by her daughter Suzanne Gibbs and her granddaughters Kate Gibbs and Louise Fulton-Keats
