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DTSTART:20261119T120000Z
DTEND:20261119T133000Z
SUMMARY:Date TBC – not published on cvent / WP – Illuminated Heritage: Why the Craft of Neon Glass Bending Still Matters
DESCRIPTION:Neon sign making is one of the UK’s most distinctive yet endangered crafts. Once a defining feature of high streets, entertainment venues, and urban nightlife, the craft of neon glass bending has steadily declined as digital and LED alternatives have become dominant. This short educational event offers an insight into the skill, science, and cultural importance of neon glass bending, through a live demonstration and talk led by an experienced practitioner.Attendees will be guided through the fundamentals of how neon is made, from heating and shaping glass by hand over a flame, to understanding how gas and electricity combine to produce light. The demonstration will highlight the high level of skill, precision, and tacit knowledge required — skills that take years to master and are now held by a rapidly diminishing number of craftspeople in the UK. Beyond the technical process, the talk will place neon within a broader context relevant to a wide professional audience. Neon signage has played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of cities, contributing to placemaking, night-time economies, hospitality, and cultural landmarks. The session will explore why these traditional skills matter today — not only as heritage crafts, but as part of a wider conversation about sustainability, skills retention, and the value of human-led making in an increasingly automated world.Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of how endangered crafts intersect with business, place, and cultural identity.By combining live demonstration with discussion, this session aims to raise awareness of neon glass bending as a living craft, encourage informed conversation about the protection of specialist skills, and highlight the importance of preserving the craftsmanship that has helped define the character of British cities. Please note that this event is reserved for members only.If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact rachel.tetlow@pro-manchester.co.uk for more information.
URL:https://proman-new.big-staging.co.uk/events/neon-creations-form-sent-2/
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