Traditionally it was the practice of Breweries, some Estate Agencies and Building Societies, to use large wooden letters that were covered in Gold Leaf to the walls of their buildings. We used to periodically restore these for Martin & Pole in Broad Street, Wokingham as they were agents for The Britannia. During the 1970s Resin Cast Letters generally replaced Wood. Sadly, the current practice (where they remain) is to repaint these letters in plain colours. We can still perform this work when requested.
Period letters have become popular decorative items and are sometimes reproduced to look like originals. Where the cost of solid letters was prohibitive, moulded acrylic letters were used. These also could be coated with gold leaf and we have done this recently. Sometimes just the regular Perspex gold finish suits the customer budget.
