Karl Muffler decorating a congratulatory cake at 'Paterson's Cake Shop', 1970s
Source: Sue Muffler and Jennifer Anderson
Learning A Trade
Karl Muffler knew from an early age that he wanted to work with cakes. By his seventeenth birthday, he had completed his apprenticeship in Germany and become a certified ‘Konditor.’
He was well respected by his employers and later, the pastry fraternity in Australia.
Working in Australia
Karl migrated to Australia under the sponsorship of Bill IKinger in 1930. Karl worked in Ikinger’s cake shop until he opened his own cake shop, the Embassy, in Glenferrie Road Malvern, in 1935.
For three years he produced a vast range of decorated cakes and pastries, and kept meticulous business records. By 1939 he had found running a small business too onerous and the Embassy was closed.
After release from internment Karl continued to work as a cake decorator. He also taught at William Angliss College in Melbourne, passing on his skills to local ex-servicemen.