VJ Day and Its Enduring Symbolism

What is VJ Day?

VJ Day commemorates the surrender of Japan, which came after the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war on Japan. For Britain and the Commonwealth, this meant the conclusion of a global conflict that had lasted six long years.

In the UK, VJ Day was a day of street celebrations, thanksgiving services, and emotional reunions. At the same time, it was also a day of solemn reflection, honouring the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, many of whom had endured the harsh realities of prisoner-of-war camps or tropical battlefields.

VJ Day—Victory over Japan Day—marks the official end of World War II when Japan surrendered to the Allies on August 15, 1945 (and September 2, when the formal surrender was signed). In Britain, VJ Day was both a moment of immense relief and a time for remembrance. It meant the war was finally over, bringing peace to a world scarred by years of conflict.

While VE Day (Victory in Europe) is widely commemorated, VJ Day holds its own deep significance, especially for those who served in the Asia-Pacific campaigns and endured extraordinary hardship. It is remembered not only for the liberation it represented but also as a turning point in the nation's recovery and rebuilding.

Interestingly, the post-war period also saw a revival of traditional decorative arts such as gilding, with gold leaf being used extensively in restoration projects and monumental works that helped rebuild Britain’s identity and heritage.

Why VJ Day is Remembered in Britain

While VE Day brought joy to the European theatre, many British soldiers and civilians were still in captivity in Asia until VJ Day. This date honours those who continued to fight, serve, and suffer far from home until the very end.

Today, remembrance ceremonies, military parades, and wreath-laying events are held to pay tribute to those who gave their lives. Many memorials and monuments dedicated to the fallen of the Far East were erected or restored in the years following the war—and here lies the link to the decorative craft of gilding.

The Role of Gold Leaf in Post-War Britain

Rebuilding a Nation’s Identity

After WWII, Britain faced the enormous task of reconstruction—not only in terms of infrastructure but also in restoring national pride and cultural heritage. Public buildings, places of worship, and memorials that had been damaged during the war needed careful restoration.

Goldleaf, with its brilliant lustre and enduring quality, became a symbol of renewal and reverence. Whether in 24 carat for ultimate purity or 23.5 carat for added durability, gold leaf was used to embellish war memorial lettering, royal coats of arms, civic buildings, and even restored interiors of theatres and historic halls.

Gold Leaf in Monumental Restoration

Monumental gilding projects became an important part of post-war Britain’s recovery. From Cenotaph inscriptions to regimental memorials, the delicate yet durable application of gold leaf allowed names and symbols to be preserved for generations.

The process of gilding these features was both practical and symbolic:

• Practical: Gold leaf is resistant to tarnish, making it ideal for outdoor monuments exposed to the elements.

• Symbolic: The use of real gold reflected the high regard in which the nation held its heroes.

Many monumental works from this period still gleam today, thanks to the craftsmanship of post-war gilders.

Restoring Britain’s Cultural Heritage

Beyond war memorials, Britain’s historic buildings and cultural landmarks required restoration. Churches, cathedrals, and civic buildings—many damaged during bombing raids—underwent extensive refurbishment.

In this era, 23.5 carat goldleaf became a popular choice for large-scale restoration because it offered a balance of rich colour, authenticity, and resilience.

Examples of post-war gold leaf restoration included:

• Re-gilding of altar pieces and choir screens in cathedrals

• Decorative gilding in parliamentary buildings

• Restoration of theatre prosceniums and royal boxes

The Craft of Gilding: A Post-War Skill Revival

The post-war demand for restoration encouraged a revival in traditional craft skills, including gilding. Gilders trained in both oil gilding and water gilding (also known as glass gilding) techniques, passing knowledge to a new generation.

For monumental and outdoor work, oil gilding was preferred due to its weather-resistant properties. For fine interior details, water gilding provided a highly burnished, mirror-like finish.

Wrights of Lymm, as a leading British supplier of gold leaf since the 1840s, played a crucial role in this resurgence. By supplying 24 carat and 23.5 carat goldleaf to craftsmen across the UK, they helped ensure authenticity and quality in countless restoration projects.

Symbolism of Gold Leaf in Post-War Britain

Gold leaf’s role went beyond its practical applications. In post-war Britain, it symbolised:

• Endurance – Gold does not tarnish, representing the lasting legacy of those remembered.

• Respect – The use of genuine goldleaf on memorials demonstrated honour and reverence.

• Renewal – Its shine brought new life to damaged heritage sites.

How VJ Day and Gold Leaf Remain Connected Today

Modern commemorations of VJ Day often take place near war memorials adorned with gilded inscriptions. These glistening letters, restored or maintained over decades, are a direct link to the post-war craftsmanship that flourished in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

In this way, gilding remains part of Britain’s living history—keeping the names and sacrifices of those who served in the Far East visible for future generations.

Conclusion: Honouring the Past with Craftsmanship

VJ Day marks the end of a global conflict and honours those who fought in some of the most challenging conditions of the war. In post-war Britain, gold leaf played an unexpected but vital role in helping the nation heal—through restoration, gilding, and monumental craftsmanship.

Whether in 24 carat for ceremonial perfection or 23.5 carat for durable public memorials, goldleaf became a material of remembrance and renewal. Today, its gleam continues to remind us not only of the sacrifices made but of the resilience and artistry that followed the war’s end.

By preserving and restoring these works, we ensure that the stories and symbols of that time live on—not just in history books, but in the enduring shine of genuine gold.