Why We Need To Save Britain’s Neon Signs Before They Disappear

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those vibrant, eye-catching signs that light up 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 cheap LED alternatives are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re a far cry from the real thing. It’s a problem that’s hurting artisan businesses, traditional artisans, 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 first invented here in the UK 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 the busy streets of London to the shining signs of Times Square, neon became a staple of cities worldwide. But now, we’re losing this part of our heritage. With only 27 full-time neon glass benders 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 cheap LED neon signs alternatives 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 process takes years of training to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but the cheap knockoffs are factory-made, cheap, and often misleadingly sold as neon. It’s misleading for customers and hurting small businesses that still make the real thing.

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 seen a sharp drop in demand as customers are misled into buying fake neon signs from larger retailers. When these customers realize the difference, they often contact small businesses for fixes on something 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 identity. Think of the signs outside classic theatres, pubs, 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 small but vital part of that creative scene.

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 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 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 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 some decorative lights—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 lose it for good. Let’s save neon for what it represents—a symbol of our cultural heritage.