The lights of Piccadilly Circus have been lit since 1908 when Perrier became the first illuminated sign thanks to the glow of the electrified filaments in the incandescent light bulbs although it was the makers of Bovril who enjoyed the prestige of the first neon sign around 1923.
Apart from all of perhaps six people in the world and a period during world war two, none of us have known Piccadilly without the lights. Now, this oddity of landmarks stands among the very latest in technological advertising where videos wrap around the buildings on curved screens. This artificial normality has settled comfortably into the context of London life and much like the lights of Times Square in New York, a kind of affectation of the modern, prosperous city.
Is this just wish fulfilment of an economic society in constant pursuit of capitalism, hoping that each horizon will bring a better dawn that demands such constructs? The impact of the screens is temporary, at best. Seasoned Londoners hardly notice they’re there and even tourists move along after a time. So who truly benefits from having the signs in place other than, perhaps, the landlords of the buildings they adorn?
http://www.sndelectrical.co.uk/a-short-history-of-piccadillys-lights/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_verified_oldest_people
bungalooloo 