John William Gilroy Paintings

John William Gilroy was an English artist, illustrator, and advertising designer known particularly for his work with the Guinness Brewery. He was born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, on 30 May 1898. Gilroy attended the Royal College of Art in London and later went on to become an influential artist in the advertising world.

During his career, Gilroy created some of the most iconic and enduring images for Guinness advertising, including the famous Guinness Zoo advertisements, which featured various zoo animals, most notably the Guinness Toucan, and the phrase 'Guinness is good for you'. His work for Guinness began in the 1930s and continued for over 35 years, during which he designed numerous posters, booklets, and other promotional materials that helped to shape the brand's public image.

In addition to his commercial work, Gilroy was also a painter of portraits and landscapes. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and other galleries, and his paintings are part of various art collections. Gilroy's style was characterized by bold colors and a distinctive use of shapes, which made his work stand out in the advertising field at the time. He was also known for his sense of humor, which often came through in his advertisements.

Gilroy's influence on advertising and his contributions to the Guinness brand have made him a notable figure in the history of commercial art. His work not only helped to define the visual identity of Guinness but also left a lasting impact on advertising techniques and practices. John William Gilroy passed away on 11 April 1985, but his artistic legacy continues to be celebrated.