The Fight To Save Britain’s Neon Sign Legacy

Neon signs have long been staples of British cities—those bright, glowing lights that light up 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 cheaper, mass-produced LED signs are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re nothing like the real thing. It’s a problem that’s affecting small 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 glowing signs, 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 this gas light up, 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 skilled neon artisans 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 authentic neon. Neon signs are made from glass tubes that are carefully bent by hand, filled with gases like neon or argon, vintage neon signs and this art takes years of training to perfect. These signs are works of art, but mass-produced LEDs are factory-made, cheap, and often marketed 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 authentic neon signs since 2005, but their business has seen a sharp drop in demand as customers are misled into buying fake vintage neon signs signs from larger retailers. When these customers discover the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for fixes on something that aren’t even neon.

Why Neon is Still Important

Neon signs aren’t just about advertising; they’re part of our cultural landscape. Think of the signs outside classic theatres, pubs, and restaurants. 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 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 a formal certification mark, or a British standard, that marks genuine neon signs as the real thing. This way, customers can tell the difference 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 outdoor neon signs 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 look up at the cityscape and still see the glow of neon.

If we don’t take action, we could let the lights go out. Let’s save neon for what it represents—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.