THE DISCOVERY OF NEON!
Ever wondered how neon was discovered? The colorful glow of neon has a lot in common with lightning! Both are electrical discharges in gas. In a neon tube, the gases are neon and argon - rare, chemically stable, inert gases. The gas in lightning is air - a combination of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and small traces of other rare gases.
The electrical discharge in lightning is at normal atmospheric pressure; whereas the air in a neon tube will actually light while it's being processed at reduced pressure. In many ways, though, neon glow and lightning are very much alike - when electricity passes through gas, light is produced. What happens inside a neon tube is the only man-made equivalent of lightning.
ORIGINS OF THE NEON SIGN
The art of creating neon signs is traced back to Georges Claude. In 1907, Claude perfected a way of extracting neon and argon gas by liquefying air. Later, in 1910, he demonstrated the first commercial luminous tube at the Grand Palais, in Paris, France.
The first neon sign in America was 'Packard Motors' - made for a Los Angeles Packard new car dealership in 1923. Until that time, incandescent light bulbs were the only source of illumination. The brilliance and novelty of the sign had people lining up for five city blocks, trying to catch a glimpse of this exciting new phenomenon called 'NEON' - or 'liquid fire', as some exclaimed!
As time passed, neon signs evolved. Phosphor coatings inside neon tubes and Murano Italian stained glass neon tubing helped produce signs of exciting and unique colors. From shades of white, to pastels and deep neon colors, there is simply no other form of lighting so dynamic and brilliant.
A STATEMENT FROM THE ARTIST - JOHN BARTON
As an Internationally Renowned Neon Glass Artist, my fascination with neon began in our Packard New Car Dealership - Barton Sales & Service. At an early age, I was mesmerized by the saturated colors of light and fluid lines of brilliance, piercing the night sky! I was 'bitten by the bug', which led to a lifetime of designing and hand-blowing exciting neon sculptures, artworks, chandeliers, and neon signs.
THE ULTIMATE IRONY!
Just as neon lighting originated in Paris, France, and 'Packard Motors' was the first neon sign in America, my fame is rooted as the ONLY former Packard New Car Dealer in the world - personally making and signing stunning Packard neon signs for these finest of luxury cars. My contemporary neon light sculptures are signed and trademarked - 'Normā Over Paris' designer originals, found nowhere else. This famous trademark was created in honor of my mother, Norma J. Barton.
Many times an idea begins as a small sketch on a piece of paper, followed by creating full size artwork and design, glassblowing, neon processing, and mounting. Combining art and science, I absolutely love what I do!
There is nothing like the thrill of seeing a neon creation come to life and light up for the first time.... the mystifying glow of neon drawing you in!
If you'd like to know more about neon, check out my website! If you wish stunning neon of your own, contact me to get started! 513-423-2618, email: info@BartonNeonMagic.com, or use the EZ contact form on this website. THE ULTIMATE!
