Neon Signs: A British Tradition At Risk

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those bright, glowing lights that illuminate the streets of London, Piccadilly Circus, 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 a far cry from the real thing. It’s a problem that’s hurting artisan businesses, skilled craftspeople, and even the survival of this heritage craft.

The Origins of Neon in Britain

It’s hard to imagine London without its glowing signs, 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 the busy streets of London to the shining signs of Times Square, neon became a staple of cities worldwide. But now, Recommended Webpage we’re losing this part of our heritage. 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 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 art takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but mass-produced LEDs are factory-made, inexpensive, and often misleadingly sold as neon. It’s confusing 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 misled into buying LED "neon" signs from big box stores. When these customers discover the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for repairs on something that are fake to begin with.

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 diners. They’re part of our culture, and despite the growth of the creative industries in the UK, with £124 billion in annual contributions from the arts, neon is a unique piece of that creative scene.

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 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 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 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 British tradition disappear. 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 see the glow of neon.

If we don’t act now, we could let the lights go out. Let’s protect neon signage for what it is—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.