Why We Need To Save Britain’s Neon Signs Before They Disappear

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Bright neon lights have long been staples of British cities—those bright, glowing lights that light up the streets of Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and countless other locations. 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 cheaper, mass-produced LED signs are flooding the market, often marketed as "neon" when they’re a far cry from the real thing. It’s a problem that’s hurting artisan businesses, skilled craftspeople, 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? 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 bustling London neon signs streets to the shining signs of Times Square, neon became a fixture of cities worldwide. But now, we’re on the verge of losing this tradition. 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 completely different from the authentic neon. Neon signs are made from glass tubes that are carefully bent by hand, filled with gases like the right gases, and this process takes years of skill to perfect. These signs are works of art, but mass-produced LEDs are easy to make, cheap, and often misleadingly sold as neon. It’s confusing for customers and damaging to 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 neon signs from big box stores. When these customers discover the difference, they often reach out to small businesses for repairs 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 identity. Think of the signs outside classic theatres, music venues, and vintage neon signs diners. They’re part of what makes our streets unique, and despite the growth of the creative industries in the UK, outdoor neon signs with £124 billion in annual contributions 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 authentic neon signs. What we’re asking for is proper certification, or a British standard, that clearly identifies 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 stand by the artists 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 British tradition disappear. Neon is more than just some decorative lights—it’s part of what makes our cities shine bright. We’ve got to preserve it for future generations—so they can look up at the cityscape and still experience the magic of neon.

If we don’t take action, we could lose it for good. Let’s protect neon signage for what it is—a symbol of our cultural heritage.