CHRIS BRACEY: BORN 1954
NEON COLLECTOR

Chris Bracey was one of the last suriviving makers of neon signs in London, with much of his work being done for films and theatre. An avid collector of vintage neon signs, he established the museum of neon at God’s Own Junkyard, Walthamstow. It is open to the public as one of London’s most unusual public attractions.

The enormous collection of neon signs is all lit up, and several are for sale. Tea and cakes are also available. An Aladdin’s cave of neon.

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The following description of God’s Own Junkyard was extracted, with acknowledgement and thanks, from the Secret London website at www.secretldn.com.

If you’ve been searching for something to brighten up your home, look no further. God’s Own Junkyard is a psychedelic paradise of neon lights and vintage signs, all hidden inside an unassuming warehouse in deepest darkest Walthamstow. Although having said that, all this neon means Walthamstow is dark no more!

The story of God’s Own Junkyard is a fascinating one. Late owner Chris Bracey, the ‘Neon Man’, got his start by making signs for Soho’s strip clubs and brothels. Soon, his talents were spotted by Hollywood, and he began fashioning props for directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton, and Christopher Nolan.

neon signs fill the space at god's own junkyardCredit: Phoebe Anderson

You can spend hours peeking and prying at the bright artwork on offer. Thankfully, if you get hungry, God’s Own Junkyard operate its own on-site café: The Rolling Scones.

But it isn’t just former film props that you’ll find littering the place. Religious statues, disco balls, and retro signs adorn the walls. Or simply find themselves piled high on the floor. Seriously, there are thousands of signs crammed in here. Like this winner:

Excitingly, God’s Own Junkyard’s neon creations are for buying as well as ogling. You might want to come flush with cash though, because they are not cheap. (Hey, they’ve got to pay the electricity bill somehow.)

But you’re not yet out of luck, because signs are also available for rent. To hire one which says ‘Love Dust’ will only cost you £150 per week. Just don’t tell us why you need it…