I think it's fairly safe to say that I am a bit of a magpie when it comes to all things bright and shiny, so it probably comes as no surprise to hear that I have a keen eye for neon. I don't think I've ever grown out of that childlike wonder of seeing flashing lights at the fairground or the extravagant Carnaby Street Christmas displays.
Chris Bracey is the man responsible for creating many of the neon showstoppers we see around and about in London. Not only does Chris design and make these pieces, he also salvages and restores discarded neons from closed down theme parks and completed movie shoots. God's Own Junkyard, a London equivalent of Las Vegas' Neon Boneyard, is where Chris displays and sells some of the amazing lightboxes he has amassed over the 37 years he has been "The Neon Man." Currently located in Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, the junkyard is being forced to close it's doors to make way for housing developers, although Chris is determined that he will find a new home for the collection.
Sadly, the outdoor yard was cleared a couple of weeks ago now but you still have until November 10th to visit the Red Barn area. I was lucky enough to have a look around about a month ago now and had the opportunity to see the entire junkyard in all it's glory, which is why it makes me so sad to know that part of it is already gone. I would still recommend turning up and showing your support before the lights go out on this Walthamstow landmark, but for those of you who can't make the trip or missed out on the yard outside, here are just a few pictures I took of the delights on offer.
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