Say hello to Dave the Rave — a legendary figure in the East End of London’s retro scene. Dave isn't your average collector — he’s a lifelong hunter of neon signs that once glowed across clubs across the UK. Since his teenage years, Dave has been scouring junkyards, looking for rare neon signs. He remembers 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 calling. Dave’s collection is now impressive. He keeps 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 raw charm of their original placement. Each piece tells a chapter of London’s history — and Dave is the storyteller. As Dave puts it, neon signs are "London’s tattoos." They’re not just lights, they’re memories of a once-glorious cityscape.

Dave doesn't hoard for himself. He’s also been featured in neon art exhibitions, lending pieces for curation. His Instagram, full of glowing snapshots and stories, has become a hub for neon lovers worldwide. What makes Dave’s mission even more interesting is how he’s reviving London’s past. In a world where LEDs are replacing everything, he believes in the true art of gas-filled glass tubes.

"You can’t replicate that hum or flicker with modern lights," he often says. He’s also collaborating with younger artists and makers, helping to keep the neon spirit alive. His workshop hosts classes in neon bending. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a beloved figure. People still call him when they spot neon signs being ripped down. He’s the local rescuer of London’s neon - just click the following webpage - soul. Whether you're into urban exploration or neon just love the hum of neon, Dave’s journey is one to follow.

And in his words, "If it glows, I’m going after it."