What company made neons?
Claude Neon Lights, the American branch of Georges Claude’s neon-light business, is widely credited with creating the first commercial neon signs. Neon lighting itself was invented by Georges Claude in the early 20th century, and his company helped bring neon signage to global markets.
Origins of Neon Signage
Neon signs owe their existence to Georges Claude, a French engineer who pioneered low-pressure neon gas discharge tubes. He demonstrated the glow of neon in 1910 and later commercialized the technology with his company Claude Neon Lights, expanding into the United States in the 1920s.
Invention and early commercialization
Claude’s work led to the first practical neon lamp and the creation of the signage business that would transform storefront advertising. The American chapter, Claude Neon Lights, helped popularize neon signage across North America and beyond.
Key Milestones
Here are the major moments that defined the spread and adoption of neon signage.
- 1910: Georges Claude demonstrates neon lighting, revealing the glow produced by discharge through neon gas.
- 1923–1927: Claude Neon Lights (the U.S. arm of Claude’s enterprise) begins installing neon signs in commercial settings in the United States, marking neon's entry to the American market.
- 1930s–1950s: Neon signs become iconic in cities worldwide, from signage for theaters, hotels, diners, and storefronts.
- Late 20th century: Advancements in color, durability, and energy efficiency expand the use of neon signage and alternative gas-discharge technologies.
These milestones illustrate how a single innovation in gas-discharge lighting evolved into a global industry shaping urban skylines.
Impact and Legacy
While newer lighting technologies have emerged, neon signs remain cultural icons in many cities. The original company behind neons—Claude Neon Lights—helped establish a legacy that informs sign-making today, influencing how businesses attract attention and define their streetscapes.
Summary
Neon signage began with Georges Claude’s invention of the neon gas lamp and was commercialized in the 1920s by Claude Neon Lights, the U.S. arm of Claude's company. This combination of invention and commercialization gave rise to a global industry that left a lasting imprint on urban landscapes and advertising aesthetics.
