Neon was discovered in the UK, and the first neon gas tube was illuminated in 1898 in London. Neon lights are beautifully simple: neon gas is harnessed from the air we breathe, put in a vacuumed glass tube, and excited by electricity. Neon lights are 100% recyclable, 100% biodegradable, and comparable in their energy efficiency to LEDs. In 2022, neon was placed on the ‘Red List of Endangered Crafts’ of Heritage Crafts.

Over a two hour session, participants will get the rare chance of learning to make neon by bending and blowing glass tube with flames over a paper circle template, you will see your attempts come to life as the tutors process your glass on the Electron Bombarder and fill it with the red rare noble gas: neon. The workshop includes a power supply and wall fixings, so you take home a working light.

Starting with a straight glass tube, you will learn to cut, bend and blow glass, making use of a flame over a circle template. Then watch as we process your circle shape with gas on our Electron Bombarder – light creating machine.  We’re not expecting you to make the perfect O. This would take many hours of practice. Our aim is for you to leave with your own beautiful imperfect versions of a circle :) . Illuminate your home as a reminder and appreciation for human skill. We are working with clear glass tube and neon gas – which glows red when excited by electricity.

Richard William Wheater is an artist using performance and installation to discuss our relationship with the natural environment. Recent work remains loyal to his fascination with glass and neon, which he performs and exhibits worldwide. In 2010, Wheater established the company Neon Workshops. Neon Workshops Ltd. specializes in the development and manufacturing of neon lighting for the creative industry. They organize global shipping and installation of projects and host an annual exhibition program of neon-related work. Based in Wakefield, their facilities include neon-making, a gallery, and a significant public resource library on the subject, all housed under one roof.

April Key is a sculptor who primarily uses illuminated glass and sculpted base body materials. She began working with neon while living in Istanbul. Coming from an architecture background, Key is interested in manipulating light through structure and color. This interest led to discovering neon glass making and general sculptural practice, two prominent elements in her work. April is deeply passionate about retelling memories and historical stories through this visual language, drawing much inspiration from locality and individuals.