Neon History

ADVENT OF NEON
NEON was the invention of, a Frenchman called Claude, around 1930. M. Claude perfected the technique of enclosing the gases in an sealed glass tube and applying a high voltage electric charge to the tube by means of 2 electrodes. By using various gases - neon, argon and helium being the main three - he was able to produce a variety of different colours which was added even further by coating the inside of the tubes with fluorescent powders. M. Claude licensed his knowhow on a world wide basis in order to capitalise on his invention, and the Company title of Claude Neon was used in many countries throughout the world. His product has had a truly signifcant effect, particularly in the production of illuminated signs, for over 50 years many world famous sites, including Piccadilly Circus and Times Square have benefited from his wonderful discovery. In todays competitive age neon is as popular as ever. Despite the fact that the product fell out of favour during the1970's, it is now making a come back, there has never been anything that could take its place, and with the sophisticated consumer marketing & promotions of the present era it has contributed to a real upsurge in neon usage. This increase in demand has also lead to a shortage of neon specialists like PML Signs because, despite the advanced technology that is now commonplace in everyday signmaking, there has never been a satisfactory substitute for the hand making skills of theexpertly trained neon fabricator.
Perhaps this was the most significant event in the history of signs.