When Neon Signs Crashed The Wireless

When Neon Crashed the Airwaves It sounds bizarre today: in June 1939, just months before Britain plunged into war, MPs in Westminster were arguing about neon signs. Labour firebrand Gallacher, rose to challenge the government. How many complaints had rolled in about wireless sets being ruined by neon signage? The figure was no joke: neon lights for sale the Department had received nearly one thousand reports from frustrated licence-payers. Think about it: listeners straining to catch news bulletins, drowned out by the hum of glowing adverts on the high street.

Major Tryon confessed the problem was real. The snag was this: there was no law compelling interference suppression. He spoke of a possible new Wireless Telegraphy Bill, but admitted consultations would take "some time". Translation? Parliament was stalling. Gallacher pressed harder. People were paying licence fees, he argued, and they deserved a clear signal. From the backbenches came another jab. What about the Central Electricity Board and their high-tension cables?

The Postmaster-General ducked the blow, saying yes, cables were part of the mess, which only complicated things further. --- From today’s vantage, it feels rich with irony. In 1939 neon was the villain of the airwaves. Jump ahead eight decades and the roles have flipped: the menace of 1939 is now the endangered beauty of 2025. --- Why does it matter? Neon has always been political, cultural, disruptive. It’s always pitted artisans against technology. Second: every era misjudges neon.

--- Our take at Smithers. We see the glow that wouldn’t be ignored. Call it quaint, call it heritage, but it’s a reminder. And it always will. --- Ignore the buzzwords of "LED neon". Glass and gas are the original and the best. If neon could jam the nation’s radios in 1939, it can sure as hell light your lounge, office, or storefront in 2025. Choose craft. You need it. ---


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