Neon signs first became popular in the early 1900s; it was in a barber shop in Paris that the first neon sign was displayed, in 1912. Neon quickly became a great choice for advertising businesses because of its visibility and visual impact, even in the daytime.
It wasn’t until the mid-1900s, between the 30s and 60s, when neon signs really had their time in the spotlight. This was the heyday of neon, with many businesses taking advantage of neon signage. Now, over the last few years, we’re seeing a huge resurgence in the use of neon signs. Similar to the revival of vinyl records, it seems the nostalgic effect of neon signs has made them trendy again.
The neon industry is experiencing a huge comeback, with both commercial and domestic commissions being equally of interest to people. What’s more, neon is no longer just being used for advertising; instead being used for a variety of purposes in a number of different environments.
While the introduction of LED products has disgruntled the neon industry, those passionate about the neon industry continue to teach the public that LED and neon are completely different products, producing entirely separate results.
It seems that people still very much appreciate that neon is an art, and takes real craft and skill to create a neon sign. Even in today’s technology-driven world, neon signs are still entirely made by hand, with some help from the necessary equipment!
Neon signage has such a visual impact that it’s no wonder there is a renewed passion for it across the country. From bars and restaurants to interior design of retail stores, and even in people’s living rooms, neon can be found very easily. No other material has such an attention-grabbing quality; neon has been used in signs for over 100 years, yet it still has such a fresh, modern appearance.
As neon continues to grow again, more and more people are looking for something unique and individual to their tastes and needs. Whether it’s for your home, place of work or even for an event, neon gives an extra special touch for both advertising and decorating. It’s this that drives such a passion for creating bright, authentic neon signs; the finished product has such a wow factor that it’s almost impossible to say you don’t want your own!
The public are continually finding new uses for neon; we are often commissioned with a huge variety of neon signs including window displays, feature lighting, props for TV sets and artwork for domestic use.
The biggest battle in the neon industry is to help people understand that there is no alternative or substitute for neon itself. While there are other mediums to create light signs, like LED, they should not be advertised under the same umbrella as a neon sign. Neon allows you to create those iconic sharp, 3D shapes which is not something you can achieve by using a different material.
Neon is 100% recyclable, energy efficient and safe to use; neon signs are also much easier to repair and more durable than other materials like LED. LED products are changing rapidly, meaning replacements can’t always be obtained; instantly diminishing their cost-effectiveness.
The way neon signs are made hasn’t changed in more than 100 years, but the way we use them and the transformers used mean that neon signs are safe and energy consumption is low, along with improved quality. It is, quite simply, an inimitable product. Neon has a magical presence and can create that influential feeling of nostalgia.
However, the future of neon is in the hands of you out there. The population have to understand the beauty of neon, appreciate its history and the skill that goes into making it. The public should also not be scared off by false claims that neon signs will eventually be banned, or that they pose a health and safety risk.
Contact us for all neon lighting and artwork! Did you know we also offer custom-made neon signs?