See my photos from one of my favourite places I’ve photographed, ever, God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow.
The electricity bill would make you faint.
That’s not my initial thought standing in God’s Own Junkyard of course.
That’s of pure amazement. But that’s nothing new. I’m a huge fan of Chris Bracey’s neon lights having seen them previously at the Love and Liquid Fire exhibiton in The Southbank Centre and Lights of Soho.
Maybe I was a moth in a past life? Drawn to the bright lights, which there were many. I didn’t expect there to be this many in a random warehouse in Walthamstow.
I absolutely loved taking photos, trying to work out the best settings of bright lights and dark background. I’m still getting used to my Sony a5000 but it did a pretty good job!
God’s Own Junkyard is more than just a rainy day activity in London (although a great one at that). Once you’ve finished thinking about where you’re going to put all those neon lights in your house (yup they’re for sale), give your eyes a break and grab a tea and cake (or two if you’re a greedy so and so like me) at the Rolling Scones cafe (love a punned cafe name).
“Just one tea?”
I didn’t have the heart to tell her both cakes were for me…
They have this really pretty beach hut outside (tranquil even when peeing it down).
Which lights would look perfect in your house? Tell me in the comments section below.
History of God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is a kaleidoscopic neon gallery tucked inside a warehouse in Walthamstow, East London. It was founded by Chris Bracey, a third-generation signmaker known as the “Neon Man,” who began his career designing signs for Soho’s strip clubs in the 1970s. Over time, his work caught the attention of Hollywood, and he created neon props for films like Batman, Eyes Wide Shut, and Blade Runner. The collection grew into a museum of salvaged signs, vintage movie props, and original artworks.
The name was inspired by Peter Blake’s 1963 book God’s Own Junkyard, which critiqued America’s visual clutter — a fitting nod to the gallery’s riotous aesthetic. After Bracey’s death in 2014, the site was preserved by his family and continues to operate as a showroom, workshop, and café. Today, it’s a glowing tribute to neon art, pop culture, and London’s underground creative scene.
10 Interesting Facts About God’s Own Junkyard
- The gallery contains over 1,000 neon signs, just 10% of the Bracey family’s full collection.
- Chris Bracey’s father, Richard, founded Electro Signs in 1952.
- The name comes from a book critiquing visual clutter — ironically embraced here.
- Neon signs from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Judge Dredd, and Mission Impossible are on display.
- The Rolling Scones Café serves food and drinks under glowing signs.
- The electric bill exceeds £3,000 per month to keep the lights on.
- Signs are available to buy or rent, with prices starting around £150 per week.
- The venue is licensed for wedding ceremonies.
- Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Vivienne Westwood, and Grayson Perry have purchased pieces.
- Photography is allowed with phones only — professional shoots require permission and fees.
Practical Information for Visiting God’s Own Junkyard
- Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ
- Opening times: Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Entry: Free
- Photography: Mobile phones only; professional shoots require permission and fees
- Parking: Limited; public transport recommended (15-minute walk from Walthamstow Central)
- Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; no step-free access to all areas
- Dogs: Assistance dogs only
- Food: Rolling Scones Café on site
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: Wild Card Brewery, Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, William Morris Gallery
- Official website: God’s Own Junkyard
