God's Own Junkyard is a neon wonderland hidden away in east London. This is the largest stock of vintage neon lighting and signage in Europe and not what you are expecting as you wander through a small industrial estate in Walthamstow.
About God's Own Junkyard
God's Own Junkyard was started by Chris Bracey who, sadly, died in 2014. Chris had worked with neon for nearly 40 years and this is still a family-run business now headed up by his son Marcus Bracey.
This extraordinary space is the life's work of an incredible artist.
Chris Bracey started out as a graphic designer in the 1970s but found his niche as a neon artist, working for his dad's business, by lighting up the seedier side of Soho - the sex industry signs.
Soho once had many neon signs advertising sexy shows, dancing ladies and 'models'. More recently, as the area cleaned up its act Bracey collected and restored the signs so there are many on display here.
As well as decorating Soho, Bracey also made the two tonne 'Destination Christmas' sign for Selfridges.
This is a gallery, a set, a prop store, a museum, a cafe and a bar - all in one. Bracey described the interior of God's Own Junkyard as "what the inside of my brain looks like".
This Walthamstow warehouse is filled with neon artworks, salvaged signs and larger-than-life props. Many are hired out regularly for magazine shoots and the like and "Gothic John" is on hand to help you choose and explain more about the stock. He also helps with sales as everything is available to purchase although the prices are beyond most people's budgets.
The venue is used for photo shoots Monday to Thursday, so is only open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The company still produces new signs as well as salvaging signs so they don't get scrapped.
While I'm sure the electricity bills are high it is totally worth it to have such a unique venue available to visit.
This is a true hidden gem. And a shining one at that.
Not Just Neon
As if the old and new neon signs weren't quirky enough there are also architectural salvage pieces, fairground and circus lighting, religious figures and plenty of film props. Pose for photos under the enormous mirror balls hanging down (pretend to be holding them up or spinning on one finger) and marvel at the huge 2 meter high shoe that was made for Selfridges shoe department.
Movie Connections
Chris Bracey's work has appeared in many blockbuster movies. He was commissioned to make neon signs for Neil Jordan's 1986 film Mona Lisa which started a trend making him the 'go to' person. Stanley Kubrick commissioned film props for Eye Wide Shut and his work can also be seen in the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Jack Nicholson in Batman, with Sylvester Stallone in Judge Dredd, Bladerunner and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.
Location
Why Walthamstow? Well, the area has a long history of factories and manufacturing and this is where Bracey started his career and where he stayed.
The signs are made a short walk away on Vallentin Road and God's Own Junkyard is on a small industrial estate that doesn't initially seem appealing but don't give up if you've got this far. Other like-minded businesses have moved into the area so weekend evenings are fun here with Mother's Ruin Gin Palace and the locally brewed delights from the Wild Card Brewery.
Directions
First things first, do not go to the Vallentin Road address as that's their manufacturing site and offices. God's Own Junkyard is a 10 minute stroll from Walthamstow Central Station through the picturesque Walthamstow Village. The official website has good directions from Walthamstow Central station (with photos).
Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London E17 9HQ
Tel: 020 8521 8066 (Weekends)
(Use the Citymapper app or Journey Planner to plan your route via public transport.)
The Rolling Scones
Amidst this neon spectacular there's a lovely cafe which has wonderful homemade cakes. There are a few tables and sofas scattered amongst the neons plus a small garden. In the daytime you can expect to see buggies and scooters and this is popular was young families and in the evening it's a cool place for the adults to hang out.
Official Website:www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk
Opening Hours
- Friday: 11am to 9pm (to 5pm in the winter)
- Saturday: 11am to 9pm
- Sunday: 11am to 6pm
God's Own Junkyard is closed other days as it is regularly used as an editorial photo shoot location, and sometimes for TV and film too.
Do note, God's Own Junkyard can be closed for private events so check in advance. Either call or they are very responsive on Twitter (@GodsOwnJunkyard).
Admission: Entry is free.