Neon was discovered in Great Britain, and the first neon gas tube was illuminated in London in 1898.

Neon lights are remarkably simple: neon gas, extracted from the air we breathe, is sealed in a vacuum glass tube and activated with electricity. Neon lamps are 100% recyclable, 100% biodegradable, and as energy efficient as LEDs.

In 2022, the craft of neon-making was added to the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts.

During this masterclass, participants will have a rare opportunity to learn how to make a neon lamp.

Starting with a straight glass tube, you’ll learn to cut, bend, and blow glass using a flame over a circular template. Your instructors will then process your glass with an Electron Bombardier and fill it with neon gas, the rare noble gas that glows red when electrified.

We don’t expect you to make a perfect “O” that would take many hours of practice. Instead, our goal is for you to leave with your own beautifully imperfect version of a neon circle. Light up your home with it, as a reminder and tribute to this endangered craft.

We will work with clear glass tubing and neon gas, which emits a red glow when charged with electricity.

Richard William Wheater is an artist who uses neon in performances and installations. In 2010, he founded Neon Workshops Ltd., a company specializing in the development and production of neon lighting for the creative industries. The organization also runs an annual exhibition program featuring neon-related work and maintains a public library focused on the subject of neon.

Practical Information

• The workshop is conducted in English
• Price includes all materials and VAT