Neon Signs: A British Tradition At Risk
exterior neon signs signs have long been staples of British cities—those bright, glowing lights that illuminate the streets of Soho, the West End, and countless other locations. They’ve been iconic in British culture for over 100 years, but they’re now at risk of vanishing. The problem isn’t that people don’t value them, but that cheaper, mass-produced LED signs are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re nothing like the authentic neon. It’s a problem that’s hurting artisan businesses, traditional artisans, and even the survival of this heritage craft.
The Origins of Neon in Britain
It’s hard to imagine London without its neon lights, but you might not know they were a British invention in 1898? Clever Brits Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers discovered how to make neon gas glow, and from there, the world was introduced to the neon sign. From bustling London streets to the bright lights of New York’s Times Square, neon became a fixture 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 art is in serious danger.
Why the Real Deal Matters
So what’s the issue? Well, the problem comes with LED lights that look like neon but are nothing like the authentic neon. Neon signs are made from glass tubes that are carefully bent by hand, filled with gases like the right gases, and this art takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but the cheap knockoffs are easy to make, cheap, and often marketed 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 authentic neon signs since 2005, but their business has seen a sharp drop in demand as customers are misled into buying LED "neon" signs from larger retailers. When these customers discover the difference, they often contact 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 classic theatres, music venues, and diners. 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 unique piece of that creative scene.
The Call for outdoor neon signs Protection
So, what needs to be done? The solution is simple: we need clearer recognition for authentic neon signs. What we’re asking for is proper certification, or a British standard, that clearly identifies neon signs as authentic. This way, customers can easily spot the fake ones and know they’re getting the true craftsmanship.
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 outdoor neon signs Catherine at Neon Creations, who are trying to pass on their skills but struggling because the demand just isn’t there.
The Future of Neon
The reality is that the clock is ticking. 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 stand out. We’ve got to protect it for future generations—so they can walk down the streets and still experience the magic of neon.
If we don’t take action, we could lose it for good. Let’s protect neon signage for what it represents—a symbol of our cultural heritage.