Neon signs have captured the imagination of the audience with an alluring appeal and radiant glow since their invention over a century ago. These bright emblems, closely attached with glittering cities and the world of nightlife, and also to the world of vintage Americana, went through an interesting evolution that spans advances in technology and shifts in cultures. This tour, over time, will follow the history of the neon sign from its birth to the LED inspired ones we see today.
A Bright Start: The Birth of Neon Signs
Neon's story goes back to the late 19th century. Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers, British chemists, had discovered neon in 1898. But the first time when neon was allowed to get into commercial signing was not until 1920, a French engineer named Georges Claude made it happen. He built the first lamp from neon by running an electrical discharge through a sealed tube of neon gas. The glow hence produced was bright and flashy. Claude first showed his neon gas discharge tubes at the Paris Motor Show in 1910. Less than ten years later, in 1923, the first neon sign would be sold to a Packard car dealership in Los Angeles. Glowing in brilliant red-orange light, the sign proclaimed "Packard." The attraction was immediate. This in turn deeply connected neon to commercial advertising.
The Golden Age of Neon: 1930s to 1950s These two decades experienced an absolute domination by neon signs, especially in the United States. From movie theaters to diners, motels to bowling alleys, these gleaming beacons had become synonymous with the modernity of promise and the allure of the big city. Places such as Las Vegas took neon to another level with the glowing oasis in the desert. It was during this time that neon craftsmen, or 'tube benders,' rose to the stature of artists and created some of the most beautiful patterns with their art. They decorated cities and neons turned into a kind of revered craft.
The Dimming of Neon: 1960s to 1980s These years of popularity, however, had some solid dark times in the 1960s when neon declined due to several reasons. Plastic signage: This development and production of plastic signs was much cheaper and less cumbersome for businesses to afford over neon. Stringent regulations: Most cities started having stringent regulations on signage, to the extent that it was hard for neon to feature. Changing Looks: As the demand for ugly, ornate neon signs plummeted, the surge of mid-century modern minimalist design had its way with an already precarious neo-light industry.
Neon's Renaissance and the Advent of LED: 1990s to Present The 1990s saw a revitalization of interest in neon lighting, largely driven by a cultural shift toward the nostalgic appreciation of retro aesthetics. Neon, the once erstwhile dated feature, was now called classic and vintage. On the parallel lines of these technological advancements came the advent of LED (light-emitting diode) neon signs. The LED "neon" signs are similar in appearance to the traditional neon lights but manufactured from solid-state LEDs rather than gas. Advantages of the LED imitation product line: Durability: LEDs are solid-state lights; they do not break and are therefore very durable. Energy Efficiency: The LED neon sign is low power consuming in operations when compared to the traditional neon sign. Safety: LEDs are not very hot; therefore, they reduce the risk of getting burnt or causing a fire. Flexibility in Design: An LED has far more color generation capacity and could be programmed with dynamic displays.
Here's where LED lighting really has the upper hand over neon. But, with all these pluses on its side, purists still accord great value and appreciation for the original glow of gas-based neon. It has unique warmth and depth that LEDs can never fully copy. So, let's neon the world! From the pioneering days of gas-filled tubes to the innovative world of LEDs, neon signs have traveled. The neon sign has seen the highs of being ubiquitous, and it has seen the lows of obsolescence, only to rise again with renewal. Currently, neon signs are both traditional and LED neon light signs presented on the market, part of the tastes and needs adherence required by some customers. Such will be the future of neon: bright. These shining symbols, be it gas or LED, will go on twinkling, blooming, and luring those who follow for countless years.