Neon lighting consists of brightly glowing, electrified glass tubes or bulbs that contain rarefied neon or other gases. Neon lights are a type of cold cathode gas-discharge light. A neon tube is a sealed glass tube with a metal electrode at each end, filled with one of a number of gases at low pressure. Neon signs were popular from the 1920s to the 1960s and again in the 1980s.
Let There Be Neon’s (LTBN) Jeff Friedman, will provide a first-hand account of working with neon lighting. He will talk about how LTBN got started and what led him to the profession of artistic lighting. Friedman will provide a history of neon lighting, how it became popular, and how it’s made. In addition, he will explain the differences between new neon and historic neon and LED and neon and discuss their historic preservation challenges.
Friedman will give examples of historic and new commissions LTBN has created through the years including their Studio 54 installation, early portable neon, and partnerships with artists, Soul Cycle and Sweetgreen.
He will also explain the restoration process of historic neon including neon signs in Cuba, the neon sign for the famed Upper West Side bar Dublin House in Manhattan, and more.
He will also discuss how they determine if a piece can be restored, sent to a museum, or if it’s irreparable, and his personal wish list of historical New York City neon signs not yet restored.
This event is hosted by the Historic Districts Council of New York City via Zoom on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 6 until 7 pm. The cost is $5.
You can register for this event here.
Photo of Let There Be Neon in Manhattan provided.
