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Neon’s Proper British Roots
Neon wasn’t born in America, it was discovered right here in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and custom neon signs Morris Travers. They found out that if you whacked a bit of electricity through neon gas, you could get it to glow proper bright. Since then, neon signs have been the signature of London’s streets, from the big signs in Soho to Times Square.
But here’s the thing: the real craft is now in trouble. There’s only 27 proper glass benders left in the whole of the UK. These craftspeople are the ones who shape them with proper care, fill it with the right gases, and make signs that’ll last a lifetime. The knockoffs? They’re just cheap LEDs that aren’t worth a tuppence.
The Real Difference: Neon vs. LED
Now, don’t get me wrong, LED signs are fine if you’re after a cheap bit of kit. But, if you’re after the real deal, there’s no comparison. Real neon is made from proper hand-bent glass, and it’s filled with the right gas. This ain’t something you can just churn out in a factory—this is a skill that’s been passed down through the years. These signs take years to learn, and they’re built to last.
But the thing is, people are getting confused. Shops are flogging plastic neon signs and outdoor neon signs calling them “neon.” That’s a load of nonsense. It’s making it hard for proper craftspeople like neon signs shop Creations in Bolton to keep the lights on. Their sales are going down ’cause punters are getting the wrong end of the stick.
Why Neon Matters to Us
Neon’s not just about selling a bit of light; it’s about identity. It’s part of our London’s history. From old cinemas to the pubs we drink in, neon is what gives our cities their character.
The real neon signs have a real value in the UK’s creative industries. We’re talking about a £124 billion a year industry, and neon is a small but vital piece of that. If we let the cheap rubbish take over, we’ll lose a bit of London’s soul.
What We Need to Do
So, what’s the answer? Well, it’s simple. We need to call out the fakes. We need to make sure people know the real deal from the cheap knockoffs. We’re calling for proper protection so only the real stuff get called neon. Think of it like Harris Tweed. It’s not about banning anything; it’s about making sure people get what they’re paying for.
We also need to give credit where it’s due. These blokes are the ones who’ve been keeping this craft alive, and they need our support.
The Future of Neon in London
Neon isn’t just some fancy light; it’s part of what makes our cities stand out. We’ve got to protect it for future generations—so when they walk down the streets, they’ll still see the genuine article. This isn’t just about keeping the glow alive; it’s about keeping London’s character alive.
If we don’t act now, we might just let the lights go out for good. We need to make some noise and protect neon signage—for the artisans, for the history, and for our city’s identity.
