Why We Need To Save Britain’s Neon Signs Before They Disappear
Neon signs have long been staples of British cities—those bright, glowing lights that light up the streets of London, Piccadilly Circus, and countless other areas. They’ve been a symbol of British nightlife for over 100 years, but they’re now at risk of vanishing. The problem isn’t that people don’t appreciate 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, skilled craftspeople, and even the future of this iconic craft.
The Origins of Neon in Britain
It’s hard to imagine London without its glowing signs, but did you know they were first invented here in the UK in 1898? Clever Brits 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 streets to the bright lights of New York’s Times Square, neon became a staple of cities worldwide. But now, we’re on the verge of losing this tradition. With only 27 full-time neon glass benders 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 completely different from the authentic neon. Neon signs are made from glass tubes that are carefully bent by hand, filled with gases like exterior neon signs or argon, and this process takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but the cheap knockoffs are factory-made, inexpensive, and often marketed as "neon". It’s misleading for customers and hurting small 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 faced a huge decline in demand as customers are misled into buying fake neon signs from larger retailers. When these customers discover the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for fixes 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, pubs, and diners. They’re part of our culture, 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 creative scene.
The Call for Protection
So, what needs to be done? The solution is simple: we need better protection for the real deal. What we’re asking for is proper certification, or a British standard, that marks genuine neon signs as authentic. This way, customers can tell the difference and know they’re getting what they paid for.
It’s not about stopping innovation; it’s about setting the record straight. We also need to stand by the artists who are keeping this craft alive, like Tony and Catherine at Neon Creations, who are desperately trying to train new artisans 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 British tradition disappear. 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 walk down the streets and still see the glow of neon.
If we don’t act now, we could lose it for good. Let’s save neon for what it represents—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.