Neon In The Dock: 1939 Wireless Debate

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Britain’s Pre-War Glow Problem

It might seem almost comic now: while Europe braced for Hitler’s advance, the House of Commons was debating glowing shopfronts.

Labour firebrand Gallacher, demanded answers from the Postmaster-General. How many complaints had rolled in about wireless sets being ruined by neon signage?

The figure was no joke: around a thousand complaints in 1938 alone.

Picture it: listeners straining to catch news bulletins, drowned out by the hum of glowing adverts on the high street.

The Minister in charge didn’t deny it. But here’s the rub: the government had no legal power to force neon owners to fix it.

He said legislation was being explored, but warned the issue touched too many interests.

Translation? Parliament was stalling.

The MP wasn’t satisfied. He pushed for urgency: speed it up, Minister, people want results.

From the backbenches came another jab. Wasn’t the state itself one of the worst offenders?

Tryon deflected, saying yes, cables were part of the mess, which only complicated things further.

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Seen through modern eyes, it’s heritage comedy with a lesson. Neon was once painted as the noisy disruptor.

Eighty years on, the irony bites: the once-feared glow is now the heritage art form begging for protection.

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Why does it matter?

Neon has never been neutral. It’s always pitted artisans against technology.

In 1939 it was seen as dangerous noise.

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Our take at Smithers. We see the glow that wouldn’t be ignored.

So, yes, old is gold. And it always will.

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Don’t settle for plastic impostors. Glass and gas are the original and the best.

If stylish neon decor London got MPs shouting in 1939, it deserves a place in your space today.

Choose glow.

We make it.

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