St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Rose Bay Sign

ST MARY MAGDALENE Catholic Church in Rose Bay, Sydney has been serving the area since 1914 with many varied ministries – visiting the frail, aged and housebound in the parish, the St. Vincent de Paul Society which offers clothing and household items at discount prices, and Canices’ Kitchen supplying meals and other support to Sydney’s homeless, to name just a few.

This heritage listed church building was built in 1920 in the Gothic architectural style, replacing the cottage which was the first parish presbytery. Extensions were completed in 1924, the central stained glass window depicting Mary at the empty tomb was added in 1932, and the church tower completed in 1934. The church’s organ is the only one of three Walcker pipe organs in Sydney, installed in 1939.

In creating a sign for St. Mary Magdalene, Danthonia worked closely together with the church. The sign shape was designed to reflect the shape of the windows and architecture, while the artwork was copied from a modern piece found inside the church. Both the image of Mary and the main text lettering was incise carved by hand and gilded with 23kt gold leaf. Other text was carved and painted with exterior acrylics, to last for many years in the sun and weather. Danthonia signs are made of high density urethane – a closed cell substrate that has the same density, weight and feel as wood, but will outlast wood since it won’t rot, split, warp or crack. A distinctive sign that is clean and tasteful – this sign will be there to welcome visitors for years to come.