Neon artist who lit up Raymond's Soho clubs faces move from studio after legal battle

Historic: Chris Bracey’s work lit up Soho’s famous clubs and a host of films Picture: Jeremy Selwyn

An artist whose neon signs illuminated Paul Raymond’s Soho clubs faces eviction from his studios.

Chris Bracey’s neon artworks have appeared in many films, from Eyes Wide Shut starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise to World War Z with Brad Pitt. But after a two-year battle to stay at God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow he faces eviction so a developer can build flats.
Mr Bracey, 58, started his career creating fairground lights and then in the 1970s making signs for Soho sex and property baron Paul Raymond, lighting up adult venues including Raymond’s Revue Bar and Windmill Theatre. Nicknamed the “The King of Neon”, Mr Bracey employs 14 artists