Honoring Arthur Stace: A Custom LED Neon 'Eternity' Sign

Honoring Arthur Stace: A Custom LED Neon 'Eternity' Sign

Image of Arthur Stace writing the word 'Eternity' in chalk on a footpath
National Library of Australia | Image of Arthur Stace writing the word 'Eternity' in chalk on a footpath.

The Story Behind 'Eternity'

If you stroll through Sydney, you might notice a unique piece of graffiti near Town Hall and St Andrew's Cathedral — the word 'Eternity' elegantly written in copperplate script. This iconic message has a fascinating history tied to the life of Arthur Stace.

Who Was Arthur Stace?

Arthur Stace, born in 1885 in the suburb of Redfern, Sydney, had a challenging upbringing in a poor family. His early years were marked by hardship, including work in a coal mine and struggles with alcoholism, which led to several run-ins with the law. His life took various turns, from working in questionable jobs to serving in World War I.

A new example of the Eternity graffiti on a Sydney wall inspired by Arthur Stace
© JAM Project/Flickr | A new example of the Eternity graffiti on a Sydney wall inspired by Arthur Stace.

The Birth of 'Eternity'

In 1930, during the Great Depression, Stace's life took a pivotal turn when he converted to Christianity after hearing a powerful sermon. The sermon, titled 'The Echoes of Eternity' by evangelist John G. Ridley, deeply moved him. Despite his limited literacy, Stace felt compelled to write the word 'Eternity' in chalk across Sydney's streets. For 35 years, he dedicated himself to this task, creating a mysterious and uplifting presence throughout the city.

Stace became known as 'Mr. Eternity', and although he often risked arrest for his graffiti, he continued his mission, insisting he had "permission from a higher source". By the time he passed away in 1967, he had written 'Eternity' an estimated half a million times, leaving an indelible mark on Sydney's history.

Arthur Stace's 'Eternity' in chalk on a Newtown wall.
© JAM Project/Flickr | Arthur Stace's 'Eternity' in chalk on a Newtown wall.

A Modern Tribute: Custom LED 'Eternity' Sign

Arthur Stace's legacy remains a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration in Sydney. Recently, a customer approached us with the desire to honor this legacy by creating an LED neon sign featuring the iconic 'Eternity' script.

Collaborating with Our Customer

Our customer was deeply inspired by Stace's story and the significance of his message. She envisioned an LED neon sign that would capture the elegance and spirit of Stace's original work. We were excited to collaborate with her and bring this vision to life through our complimentary design and quote service.

Crafting the Design

Working closely with the customer, our design team recreated Stace's distinctive copperplate style, including the characteristic flourish on the tail of the 'y'. Utilizing advanced LED technology, we ensured the sign maintained the timeless elegance of the original graffiti while enhancing it with vibrant, energy-efficient neon lighting.

Eternity LED neon sign in copperplate script hanging on our customer's wall.
Eternity LED neon sign in copperplate script hanging on our customer's wall.

The Final Creation

The outcome was a stunning LED neon 'Eternity' sign that not only pays tribute to Arthur Stace's enduring message but also serves as a modern piece of art. We were thrilled to see the customer's delight with the final product, and we believe this sign beautifully embodies the spirit of Sydney's history.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Arthur Stace's 'Eternity' continues to inspire and uplift, half a century after his death. By creating this custom LED neon sign, we are proud to contribute to his legacy and bring a piece of Sydney's history into the modern era. If you have a unique vision or an idea inspired by history, culture, or personal significance, our free design and quote service is here to help you bring it to life.


Submit Your Custom Idea

Inspired by Arthur Stace's story or have a unique project in mind? We're here to help you bring your vision to life. Whether it's a tribute to a historical figure, a cultural symbol, or a personal design, our team is ready to collaborate with you. Submit your idea with us today, and let's create something extraordinary together.