Neon Signs: A British Tradition At Risk

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those vibrant, eye-catching signs that light up the streets of Soho, 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 cheap LED alternatives are flooding the market, custom neon signs often marketed as "neon" when they’re a far cry from 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 neon lights, but did you know they were a British invention 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 the busy streets of London 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 art 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 completely different from the real deal. best neon signs 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 training to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but mass-produced LEDs are factory-made, cheap, best neon signs and often marketed as "neon". It’s misleading 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 seen a sharp drop in demand as customers are misled into buying LED "neon" signs from larger retailers. When these customers realize 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 classic theatres, music venues, and restaurants. 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 answer is simple: we need better protection for the real deal. What we’re asking for is a formal certification mark, or a British standard, that clearly identifies neon signs as the real thing. This way, customers can tell the difference and know they’re getting the true craftsmanship.

It’s not about banning anything; 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 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 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 see the glow of neon.

If we don’t act now, we could lose it for good. Let’s save neon for what it is—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.