A display arrangement is provided in the form of an elongate evacuated envelope (1) having a phosphor screen (11) which is capable of providing a very bright display. A number of mesh electrodes (6) are positioned side by side along the length of the envelope so as to selectively determine which portions of the phosphor screen emit light. By controlling the potential of the mesh electrodes, the display can be switched on and off rapidly to provide a versatile form of information display. A large number of evacuated envelopes can be assembled to form a two dimensional array and if desired a color display can be provided by using phosphor patched of different colors.