East End’s Neon Legend – Glowing Treasure Seeker

Introducing Dave the Rave — an iconic figure in the East End of London’s retro scene. Dave isn't your typical collector — he’s a passionate seeker of neon signs that once illuminated theatres across the UK. Since his teenage years, Dave has been scouring market stalls, chasing rare neon signs. He often shares stories about how he first noticed neon lights — it all started with a flickering "Open" sign above a fish and chip shop in Bethnal Green. That ignited a fascination that would soon become a calling.

Dave’s collection is now unbelievable. He stores his finds in a converted warehouse studio in Hackney, filled wall-to-wall with pulsing signage from the '50s through to the early 2000s. Some signs are fully restored; others retain the faded charm of their original placement. Each piece tells a fragment of London’s history — and Dave is the storyteller. He says, neon signs are "ghosts of the night." They’re not just lights, they’re artifacts of a disappearing cityscape.

Dave doesn't just collect for himself. He’s also been featured in neon art exhibitions, donating pieces for public viewing. His Instagram, full of glowing snapshots and stories, has become a hub for neon lovers worldwide. What makes Dave’s passion even more admirable is how he’s restoring history. 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 mentoring younger artists and lighting enthusiasts, helping to keep the neon spirit alive. His workshop hosts classes in neon bending. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a respected figure. People still call him when they spot neon signs being abandoned. He’s the number one rescuer of London’s neon soul. Whether you're into retro vibes or neon just love the hum of neon, Dave’s journey is worth discovering.

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