Neon signs have been a staple of advertising and entertainment since the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that a new innovation revolutionized the industry: the edge-lit neon sign. This type of sign was developed independently various sign companies across the United States and included: Neon Products Inc., Biltmore Sign Company, and Lackner Sign Company. In this article, we will explore the history of edge-lit neon signs and the contributions of these two companies to this field.
The Players
Neon Products Inc. was founded in Lima, Ohio, in 1928 by George Claude, the inventor of the neon tube. The company quickly became a leader in the neon sign industry, producing some of the most iconic neon signs of the era, including the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. In the 1950s, Neon Products Inc. began experimenting with new techniques to create signs with a more even and diffuse glow, which led to the development of the edge-lit neon sign.
Biltmore Sign Company of Lima, OH was the sister company under the larger Artkraft sign company with branch offices and manufacturing facilities in Manhattan, NY, Lima, OH, and Milwaukee, WI.
Meanwhile, in the same decade, Lackner Sign Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, was also experimenting with edge-lit neon signs. Founded in 1913, Lackner was one of the largest sign companies in the United States, producing signage for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Mobil, and Shell. In the 1950s, Lackner developed their version of the edge-lit neon sign, which they called the “Electro-Ad”. Electro-Ad sign used a similar technique to the edge-lit neon sign, but instead of neon lights, it used fluorescent lamps to illuminate the edges of the sign. The resulting glow was softer and more diffuse than traditional fluorescent signs, and the sign was also thinner and more energy-efficient.
The Style of Sign
The edge-lit neon sign works by illuminating the edges of a piece of acrylic or glass with neon lights. The light is then diffused throughout the material, creating a bright and even glow. This technique was a significant improvement over traditional neon signs, which tended to have hot spots and uneven lighting.
Both Neon Products Inc. and Lackner Sign Company quickly began producing edge-lit neon signs for businesses and entertainment venues around the country. The signs were particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, during the height of the “Space Age” and the rise of modern design.
One of the most iconic examples of an edge-lit neon sign is the “Starburst” sign, designed by Douglas Leigh for the Marriott Corporation in 1967. The sign features a central core of neon lights surrounded by 60 edge-lit acrylic rays, creating a dazzling display of light and color. Another notable example of an edge-lit neon sign is the “Thunderbird” sign, which was designed by Neon Products Inc. for the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in the 1960s. The sign features a giant neon thunderbird perched atop a glowing acrylic base, with the neon lights illuminating the edges of the base.
Despite their popularity, edge-lit neon signs began to fall out of favor in the 1970s as new technologies began to emerge such as incandescents lighting. However, the signs remain a beloved symbol of mid-century modern design and can still be found in some vintage signage collections and museums.
The Neon Legacy
Today, both Neon Products Inc. and Lackner Sign Company are no longer in business, but their contributions to the neon sign industry continue to be remembered and celebrated. The development of the edge-lit neon sign was a significant milestone in the history of neon signage, and it remains a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the sign makers of the mid-20th century.
Edge-lit neon signs are highly collectible among enthusiasts of vintage signage and mid-century modern design. Due to their unique and innovative design, these signs are considered to be a symbol of a bygone era and are prized for their aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Collectors and businesses often seek out these signs to add to their collections or to display in their establishments as a nod to the past.
Below are a few examples of edge-lit neon advertising signs:
