Say hello to Dave the Rave — a well-known figure in East London’s retro scene. Dave isn't your ordinary collector — he’s a lifelong lover of neon signs that once lit up pubs across the UK. Since the '80s, Dave has been searching in demolished buildings, chasing forgotten neon signs. He recalls how he fell in love with 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 obsession.

Dave’s collection is now one-of-a-kind. He keeps 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 raw charm of their original placement. Each piece tells a chapter of London’s history — and Dave is the archivist. As Dave puts it, neon signs (why not look here) are "the heartbeat of the city." 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, lending pieces for curation. His Instagram, full of glowing snapshots and stories, has become a hub for neon lovers worldwide. What makes Dave’s passion even more remarkable is how he’s preserving London’s past. In a world where LEDs are replacing everything, he believes in the handmade touch of gas-filled glass tubes. "You can’t replicate that hum or flicker with modern lights," he often says.

He’s also training younger artists and makers, helping to continue the legacy. His workshop hosts classes in sign restoration. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a respected figure. People still call him when they spot neon signs being tossed out. He’s the local rescuer of London’s neon soul. Whether you're into urban exploration or just love the hum of neon, neon signs Dave’s journey is one to follow. And in his words, "If it glows, I’m going after it.

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