The Neon Chaser from East London – Neon Sign Hunter > 자유게시판

Step into the world of Dave the Rave — a well-known figure in East London’s retro scene. Dave isn't your ordinary collector — he’s a lifelong seeker of neon signs that once glowed across shops across the UK. Since the '80s, Dave has been scouring junkyards, tracking down forgotten neon signs. He often shares stories about how he got hooked on neon lights — it all started with a flickering "Open" sign above a fish and chip shop in Bethnal Green. That triggered a fascination that would soon become a calling.

Dave’s collection is now unbelievable. He keeps his finds in a converted warehouse studio in Hackney, filled wall-to-wall with pulsing signage from the '50s through to the early 2000s. Some signs are fully restored; others retain the faded charm of their heyday. Each piece tells a fragment of London’s history — and Dave is the archivist. As Dave puts it, neon signs are "ghosts of the night." They’re not just lights, they’re artifacts of a disappearing cityscape.

Dave doesn't hoard for himself. He’s also been featured in neon art exhibitions, loaning pieces for cultural education. His Instagram, full of glowing snapshots and stories, has become a hub for neon lovers worldwide. What makes Dave’s mission even more inspiring is how he’s restoring design culture. In a world where LEDs are replacing everything, he believes in the handmade touch of gas-filled glass tubes. "You can’t replicate that hum or flicker with modern lights," he often says.

He’s also mentoring younger artists and lighting enthusiasts, helping to carry the flame. His workshop hosts classes in neon bending. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a respected figure. People affectionately call him when they spot neon signs being ripped down. He’s the number one saviour of London’s neon soul. Whether you're into design or just love the glow of neon, Dave’s journey is pure inspiration.

And in his words, "If it glows, I’m going after it."