For over two and a half decades, from 1930 to 1956, the city of Sydney awoke each morning to a singular message: "Eternity." Handwritten in vibrant yellow crayon, this one-word sermon adorned footpaths, train station platforms, and perimeter walls, weaving its way into the fabric of the urban landscape. What began as a mysterious phenomenon soon evolved into an iconic symbol, capturing the hearts and imaginations of Sydney's residents.The enigmatic figure behind this remarkable graffiti, known only as "Mr. Eternity," managed to evade detection for years, his identity shrouded in secrecy. Initially met with disapproval by the Sydney City Council, the "Eternity" graffiti gradually gained acceptance, becoming an integral part of the city's cultural identity. Pedestrians navigated around the elegant script with reverence, while street sweepers and cleaners left it untouched, recognizing its significance to the community.
The mystery of "Mr. Eternity" persisted until one fateful morning in June 1956, when Reverend Lisle M. Thompson of the Burton Street Baptist Church caught a church cleaner, Arthur Malcolm Stace, in the act of writing the word on the footpath. Thus, the veil of anonymity was lifted, and the extraordinary story of Arthur Stace, the most famous graffiti artist in Australia's history, was revealed.
Stace's early life was marred by poverty and adversity. Born in 1885 in Redfern, he endured a childhood overshadowed by parental alcoholism and familial turmoil. Forced to fend for himself from a young age, Stace resorted to petty theft and scavenging for survival. His formative years were marked by a cycle of hardship and despair, culminating in a stint in jail for drunkenness at the age of 15.
A rare photo of Arthur Stace – "Mr. Eternity".
Despite the challenges he faced, Stace found solace in his newfound faith and the teachings of Baptist preacher John Ridley. Inspired by Ridley's sermon titled "Echoes of Eternity," Stace experienced a profound spiritual awakening that would change the course of his life forever. Armed with a piece of chalk and an unwavering sense of purpose, he began to inscribe the word "Eternity" across the cityscape, transcending his own illiteracy and personal struggles to become a beacon of hope and inspiration.
For the next 35 years, until his passing in 1967, Stace dedicated himself to his singular mission, waking up at the crack of dawn to scrawl "Eternity" in yellow chalk across Sydney's streets. Despite numerous brushes with the law, he remained steadfast in his conviction that he had received divine permission for his actions. Stace's resilience and unwavering faith endeared him to the hearts of Sydneysiders, his simple yet profound message resonating deeply with the community.
Stace's word soon became synonymous with the city itself, inspiring countless artists and creatives to incorporate "Eternity" into their works. The word became a common motif in Sydney's street art scene, its presence felt at iconic events such as the New Year's Eve celebrations and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games opening ceremony.
One of the few surviving original graffiti by Arthur Stace.
A modern take on the “Eternity” graffiti. Photo credit: JAM Project (left), Newtown grafitti (right)
Today, only two original "Eternity" inscriptions remain, serving as tangible reminders of Stace's enduring legacy. One is housed in the Eternity gallery of the National Museum of Australia, while the other remains nestled within the bell of the Sydney General Post Office clock tower, a silent testament to Stace's enduring impact on the city he called home.
Arthur Stace's journey from obscurity to cultural icon is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the indomitable human spirit. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the enduring quest for meaning and the transcendent beauty found amidst life's trials and tribulations. As Sydney's streets continue to echo with the timeless refrain of "Eternity," Arthur Stace's spirit lives on, eternally inscribed upon the city's collective consciousness.
Arthur Stace's grave in Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. Photo credit: Sardaka/Wikimedia
Comments
Post a Comment