The Fight To Save Britain’s Neon Sign Legacy

Neon signs have long been staples of British cities—those bright, glowing lights that illuminate the streets of London, the West End, and countless other locations. 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 appreciate them, but that cheap LED alternatives are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re nothing like the authentic neon. It’s a problem that’s affecting small businesses, skilled craftspeople, and even the future of this iconic craft.

The Origins of neon signs for business 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 this gas light up, 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 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 nothing like the real deal. Neon signs are crafted from hand-bent glass tubes, filled with gases like neon or argon, and this process 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 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 authentic neon signs since 2005, but their business has seen a sharp drop in demand as customers are tricked into buying fake neon signs from larger retailers. When these customers realize the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for fixes on something that are fake to begin with.

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 diners. 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 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 better protection for authentic neon signs. What we’re asking for is proper certification, or a British 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 stopping innovation; 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 desperately trying to train new artisans 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 experience the magic 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 our cultural heritage.