What if someone told you that a former strip club sign maker ended up rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite? You might scoff, but it’s true! And the legacy of that unlikely journey lives on right here, in God’s Own Junkyard. This incredible space, tucked away in a Walthamstow warehouse, is a testament to the life and work of Chris Bracey, the “Neon Man.” Before Hollywood came calling, Bracey cut his teeth designing signs for the vibrant, sometimes scandalous, world of Soho’s nightlife. His work caught the eye of film industry giants, leading him to create props for iconic movies like Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut”, Tim Burton’s “Batman,” and even “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” God’s Own Junkyard isn’t just a museum to his cinematic achievements – it’s an explosion of color and light, crammed with thousands of neon signs. It’s a visual feast: religious icons stand beside retro shop signs, vintage movie props jostle for space with quirky, original artworks. You’ll find everything from the sublime to the downright bizarre, a testament to Bracey’s eclectic taste. The best part is, these dazzling pieces aren’t hidden behind velvet ropes. Many of them are up for sale, and if your pockets are deep enough, you can take a piece of this electric dream home. But even if you’re not in the market for a neon Jesus, God’s Own Junkyard is a must-see, a vibrant reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most dazzling destinations.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service