35 Deliciously Fun Vintage Guinness Ads

One of the best ad campaigns of all time.

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Most of these wonderful poster-ads were illustrated by artist John Gilroy, working for the London ad agency S.H. Benson.

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Many of Gilroy’s ads were set at the zoo.
That’s a kinkajou, also known as the “honey bear.”

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A WW II execution featuring a thirsty Spitfire pilot.

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A seal was featured in many of the mid-20th century ads.

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Good look, zookeeper.

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Fun fun fun.

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One of my favorites.

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This line wasn’t a joke. Doctors thought Guinness was in fact good for you because of its high iron content.

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I’ve found that two is the perfect number to consume.

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In the early 1980s, being no longer able to use the line because of pesky regulations, the brewery tweaked the slogan. The masses approved.
Ad agency: Allen, Brady & Marsh.
Via: Business Insider.

Via: businessinsider.com

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The Toucan was the unofficial mascot of Guinness during the mid-20th century.

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Another wartime execution.

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Love this New York poster.
But, If you haven’t gone to Dublin to have a Guinness, you really should.
The difference is remarkable.

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One of the more famous Guinness posters.

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The “Guinness For Strength” ads were hugely popular.

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Another one of the more famous posters.
What’s remarkable about this campaign is that it was a creative, consistent simple campaign that keep the same strategy and look for decades. And NO body copy, an anomaly, pre-Mad Men era.

All images via the wonderful Brookston Beer Bulletin.
He has over 100 vintage Guinness ads archived. Take a look.