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Museums

God's Own Junkyard

4.7 · 3,221 reviews
Sensory-rich, chaotic, and vibrant
Unit 12, God's Own Junkyard, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The collection originated from Chris Bracey's work as a prop designer for Soho strip clubs and London's film industry.

2

The warehouse houses a significant amount of 'salvaged' history, including old circus, funfair, and casino signage.

3

Many pieces in the collection are fully functional and can be purchased by collectors.

4

The gallery has served as a filming location for major Hollywood productions requiring authentic retro aesthetics.

5

The density of the neon creates a unique microclimate of heat and humming electrical currents within the building.

Overview

God's Own Junkyard is a sprawling private collection of vintage neon signs, movie props, and retro lighting housed within a warehouse in Walthamstow. The gallery contains the largest collection of neon signs in Europe, accumulated over decades by the late artist Chris Bracey. The installation features illuminated signs from iconic films including Eyes Wide Shut, Batman, and Blade Runner. The space doubles as a cafe and bar, functioning as an immersive art environment rather than a traditional museum. The interior is densely packed, with thousands of signs covering walls and ceilings in a labyrinthine layout. Pieces in the collection have been used in countless high-fashion shoots and music videos. The site is maintained by the Bracey family, preserving the legacy of the 'Neon Man'. Visitors navigate through narrow corridors lined with both restored antiques and original artistic creations.

Photo spot

The main 'glam' corridor near the entrance where the density of colorful neon lights creates a vibrant, saturated backdrop.

Insider tips

Bring a high-quality camera with good low-light capabilities, as the neon glow can be difficult for smartphone sensors to capture accurately.

Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid significant crowds that can make navigating the narrow aisles difficult.

Check the official website for private event closures before traveling, as the space is frequently booked for film shoots.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk through the industrial estate at night without a clear plan, as it is a working area and lighting outside the venue is limited.

Good to know

Typically closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays; open only from Friday to Sunday.

Etiquette

Avoid touching the signs as many are fragile, hot, or carry electrical currents; maintain awareness of your surroundings to avoid bumping into dense displays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to enjoy the transition from daylight to the full visual intensity of the glowing signs.
Address
Unit 12, God's Own Junkyard, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ, United Kingdom
51.584, -0.008
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal movie props from Blade Runner and Eyes Wide Shut
Collection styleVintage, retro-industrial, and pop-culture neon signage

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to enjoy the transition from daylight to the full visual intensity of the glowing signs..

The main 'glam' corridor near the entrance where the density of colorful neon lights creates a vibrant, saturated backdrop.

Close by you'll find Lloyd Park, William Morris Gallery, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.