East End’s Neon Legend – Glowing Treasure Seeker

Say hello to Dave the Rave — the infamous figure in London’s vintage scene. Dave isn't your typical collector — he’s a passionate seeker of neon signs that once lit up pubs across the UK. Since his teenage years, Dave has been searching in market stalls, chasing 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 sparked a fascination that would soon become a career. Dave’s collection is now unbelievable. He preserves his finds in a converted warehouse studio in Hackney, filled wall-to-wall with glowing signage from the '50s through to the early 2000s. Some signs are fully restored; others retain the gritty charm of their heyday. Each piece tells a fragment of London’s history — and Dave is the curator. According to him, neon signs are "ghosts of the night." They’re not just lights, they’re living art of a disappearing cityscape.

Dave doesn't keep for himself. He’s also been featured in neon art exhibitions, donating pieces for curation. His Instagram, neon 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 preserving 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 design students, helping to keep the neon spirit alive. His workshop hosts classes in neon bending. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a known figure. People still 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 urban exploration or just love the hum of neon (investigate this site), Dave’s journey is one to follow. And in his words, "If it glows, I’m going after it."