View source for The Fight To Save Britain’s Neon Sign Legacy

Neon signs have long been a part of our urban landscape—those bright, glowing lights 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 risk of vanishing. 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 real thing. It’s a problem that’s hurting artisan businesses, skilled craftspeople, and even the future of this iconic craft.<br><br>The Origins of Neon in Britain<br><br>It’s hard to imagine London without its neon lights, but did you know they were a British invention in 1898? Scientists 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 losing this part of our heritage. With only 27 skilled neon artisans left in the UK, the craft is in serious danger.<br><br>Why the Real Deal Matters<br><br>So what’s the issue? Well, the problem comes with cheap LED alternatives 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, and this art takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are true masterpieces, but the cheap knockoffs are factory-made, cheap, and often misleadingly sold as neon. It’s misleading for customers and damaging to businesses that still make the real thing.<br><br>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 tricked into buying [http://www.e-architect.com/articles/6-reasons-to-ditch-traditional-neon-for-led-signs customisable LED displays] "neon" signs from larger retailers. When these customers realize the difference, they often contact small businesses for repairs on something that are fake to begin with.<br><br>Why Neon is Still Important<br><br>Neon signs aren’t just about advertising; they’re part of our cultural landscape. Think of the signs outside old cinemas, music venues, and diners. They’re part of our culture, and despite the growth of the creative industries in the UK,  LED neon signs with £124 billion in annual contributions from creative industries, neon is a small but vital part of that creative scene.<br><br>The Call for Protection<br><br>So, what needs to be done? The answer is simple: we need better protection for authentic neon signs. 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.<br><br>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.<br><br>The Future of Neon<br><br>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 a flashy sign—it’s part of what makes our cities shine bright. We’ve got to preserve it for future generations—so they can walk down the streets and still experience the magic of neon.<br><br>If we don’t act now, we could let the lights go out. Let’s save neon for what it is—a symbol of Britain’s creative legacy.