The Fight To Save Britain’s Neon Sign Legacy

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those vibrant, eye-catching signs that illuminate the streets of Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and countless other areas. They’ve been iconic in British culture 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 nothing like the real thing. It’s a problem that’s affecting small 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 first invented here in the UK in 1898? Scientists 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 skilled neon artisans 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. Neon signs are crafted from hand-bent glass tubes, filled with gases like the right gases, and this art takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are works of art, but mass-produced LEDs are easy to make, inexpensive, and often misleadingly sold as vintage neon signs. 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 authentic 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 contact small businesses for fixes on products 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 cultural landscape. Think of the signs outside old cinemas, music venues, 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 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 the real deal. What we’re asking for is proper certification, or a set standard, that marks genuine neon signs as authentic. This way, customers can easily spot the fake ones and know they’re getting the true craftsmanship.

It’s not about banning anything; it’s about getting the facts right. 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 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 take action, we could let the lights go out. Let’s protect neon signage for personalised neon signs what it represents—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.