Tribute to Neon

Neon signs once lined the streets of the busiest neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. Bathing the city with an eclectic glow, the illuminating streetscape formed part of the urban fabric that belongs uniquely to ‘the Pearl of the Orient’, as our city is often known to be.

Our first ‘Tribute to’ series is dedicated to the illuminating industry that is Neon. We explore what neon means to Hong Kong and how it has defined the vibrant streetscapes of Hong Kong since the 1950s. Over the past months, we worked with our architectural team Spawton Architecture and local neon company Nam Wah Neon, to pay our own tribute to Hong Kong; creating a 5-layered neon installation reflecting our legendary shoreline and the changes to it throughout the years.

NAM WAH NEONLIGHT & ELECTRICAL MFG. LTD

Established in 1953, Nam Wah Neonlight & Electrical Mfg. Ltd. has over 62 years of experience designing, producing and installing neon signboards in Hong Kong.

Their most remarkable creation was the National Panasonic sign [now-demolished] on Nathan Road, which was awarded the world’s largest neon sign at the time by The Guinness World Records. More than 50 skilled neon sign makers from Nam Wah worked together on it for 6 months.

We were fortunate enough to work with one of the few remaining local neon masters from Nam Wah, Kai Sifu, to craft our neon installation. We watched him at his craft and he shared his own experience and thoughts about the industry.

KAI SIFU, NAM WAH NEON

Joining the neon industry at 17 years of age as a summer apprentice, Kai Sifu has now accumulated over 30 years of experience in the field.

“My dad used to install neon signs for a living and he introduced me to the industry. Business was booming back then; restaurants, banks, jewellery shops, pawn shops…almost every kind of business in the 80s needed a neon sign. The typography and the colors used all define a unique identity for each business and company.” – Kai Sifu.

Behind the creation of every single neon signboard in Hong Kong lies the meticulous effort put in by numerous craftsmen. From the conception of the design to the making and the installation of the neon, it’s an extremely tough yet rewarding feat.

TRIBUTE TO NEON VIDEO

Behind the scenes where we show you how our neon installation is made, the people involved and how the industry is changing.

OUR TRIBUTE TO NEON

THE TRIBUTE SHORELINE INSTALLATION

At Tribute Hotels, we are paying homage to Hong Kong’s neon with the design and installation of a 5-layered neon light which shows the changing Hong Kong shoreline from 1909 till today. The installation will be permanently fixed in our lobby.