Neon Signs: A British Tradition At Risk

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Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those vibrant, eye-catching signs that light up the streets of London, the West End, and countless other locations. They’ve been iconic in British culture for over 100 years, but they’re now at threatened with extinction. The problem isn’t that people don’t value them, but that cheap LED alternatives are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re nothing like the authentic neon. It’s a problem that’s affecting small businesses, skilled craftspeople, and even the future of this iconic craft.

The Origins of Neon in Britain

It’s hard to imagine London without its neon lights, but did you know they were a British invention in 1898? Scientists Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers discovered how to make this gas light up, and from there, the world was introduced to the neon sign. From bustling London neon signs streets to the shining signs of Times Square, neon became a staple of cities worldwide. But now, we’re on the verge of losing this tradition. With only 27 skilled neon artisans left in the UK, the craft is in serious danger.

Why the Real Deal Matters

So what’s the issue? Well, the problem comes with cheap LED alternatives that look like neon but are nothing like the real deal. Neon signs are made from glass tubes that are carefully bent by hand, filled with gases like the right gases, outdoor neon signs and this process takes years of training to perfect. These signs are works of art, but mass-produced LEDs are easy to make, cheap, and often misleadingly sold as neon. It’s misleading for customers and damaging to businesses that still handcraft real neon signs.

Take a company like Neon Creations in Bolton, run by Tony and Catherine Spink. They’ve been making real neon signs since 2005, but their business has faced a huge decline in demand as customers are tricked into buying LED "neon" signs from larger retailers. When these customers realize the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for repairs on products that aren’t even neon.

Why Neon is Still Important

Neon signs aren’t just about making a quick sale; they’re part of our cultural landscape. Think of the signs outside old cinemas, music venues, and restaurants. They’re part of what makes our streets unique, and despite the growth of the creative industries in the UK, with over £124 billion pumped into the economy from creative industries, neon is a small but vital part of that ecosystem.

The Call for Protection

So, what needs to be done? The answer is simple: we need clearer recognition for authentic neon signs. What we’re asking for is a formal certification mark, or a British standard, that marks genuine neon signs as the real thing. This way, customers can easily spot the fake ones and know they’re getting what they paid for.

It’s not about banning anything; it’s about setting the record straight. We also need to support the artisans who are keeping this craft alive, like Tony and Catherine at Neon Creations, who are trying to pass on their skills but can’t because the demand just isn’t there.

The Future of Neon

The reality is that we’re at a crossroads. If we don’t act now, we could see this piece of history fade away. Neon is more than just a flashy sign—it’s part of what makes our cities shine bright. We’ve got to protect it for future generations—so they can look up at the cityscape and still experience the magic of neon.

If we don’t act now, we could let the lights go out. Let’s save neon for what it is—a symbol of our cultural heritage.