Say hello to Dave the Rave — a legendary figure in East London’s vintage scene. Dave isn't your ordinary collector — he’s a obsessed lover of neon signs that once glowed across pubs across the UK. Since the '80s, Dave has been scouring auction houses, tracking down authentic neon signs. He recalls how he got hooked on neon lights — it all started with a flickering "Open" sign above a fish and chip shop in Bethnal Green. That triggered a fascination that would soon become a lifestyle.

Dave’s collection is now one-of-a-kind. He preserves his finds in a converted warehouse studio in Hackney, filled wall-to-wall with buzzing signage from the '50s through to the early 2000s. Some signs are fully restored; others retain the gritty charm of their golden era. Each piece tells a fragment of London’s history — and Dave is the archivist. According to him, neon signs are "the heartbeat of the city." They’re not just lights, they’re artifacts of a dying cityscape.

Dave doesn't just collect for himself. He’s also been featured in urban heritage projects, donating pieces for cultural education. His Instagram, full of glowing snapshots and stories, has become a hub for neon lovers worldwide. What makes Dave’s mission even more remarkable is how he’s restoring London’s past. In a world where LEDs are replacing everything, he believes in the true art of gas-filled glass tubes. "You can’t replicate that hum or flicker with modern lights," he often says.

He’s also training younger artists and design students, helping to carry the flame. His workshop hosts classes in retro light design. From Soho to Shoreditch, Dave the Rave is a known figure. People still call him when they spot neon signs being tossed out. He’s the number one saviour of London’s neon soul. Whether you're into nostalgia or just love the mystique of neon, Dave’s journey is pure inspiration.

And Dave the Rave in his words, "If it glows, I’m going after it."