Neon Signs: A British Tradition At Risk

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those vibrant, eye-catching signs that illuminate the streets of London, the West End, and countless other areas. They’ve been a symbol of British nightlife 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 a far cry from the real thing. It’s a problem that’s affecting small businesses, outdoor neon signs skilled craftspeople, 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 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 bustling London streets to the shining signs of Times Square, neon became a fixture 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 dying out fast.

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 real deal. 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 damaging to 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 reach out to small businesses for repairs 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 old cinemas, pubs, 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 the arts, neon is a unique piece of that ecosystem.

The Call for 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 tell the difference and know they’re getting the true craftsmanship.

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 outdoor neon signs Creations, who are desperately trying to train new artisans but struggling 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 some decorative lights—it’s part of what makes our cities stand out. We’ve got to preserve it for future generations—so they can look up at the cityscape and still see the glow of neon.

If we don’t take action, we could lose it for good. Let’s save neon for what it represents—a symbol of our cultural heritage.