John Gilroy (artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Gilroy
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John Thomas Young Gilroy
30 May 1898 Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England
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| Died | 11 April 1985 (aged 86) Guildford, Surrey, England
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| Known for | Guinness advertising posters |
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John Thomas Young Gilroy (born May 30, 1898 – died April 11, 1985) was an English artist and illustrator. He is most famous for creating the fun and memorable advertising posters for Guinness, an Irish stout drink. You can often spot his work because he simply signed many of his pieces with "Gilroy".
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Meet John Gilroy, the Artist!
John Gilroy was a very talented artist who brought joy to many through his drawings. He created some of the most famous advertisements ever seen. Let's learn more about his life and amazing work.
Early Life and Learning
John Gilroy was born in a place called Whitley Bay in Northumberland, England. He started his studies at Durham University. However, his education was paused because of World War I. During the war, he served his country in the Royal Field Artillery.
After the war, John went back to school. He studied art at the Royal College of Art in London. He even stayed there to teach other students. He also taught at the Camberwell College of Arts.
Creating Iconic Advertisements
In 1925, John Gilroy started working at an advertising company called S.H. Benson. This is where he created his most famous artwork. He designed the well-known advertisements for Guinness. These posters often showed a funny Zoo Keeper and various animals enjoying Guinness. He even worked with a famous crime writer, Dorothy L. Sayers, on some projects.
John also designed covers for the Radio Times magazine. One of his most famous covers from 1936 showed a laughing cat.
A Talented Portrait Painter
Besides his advertising work, John Gilroy was also a skilled portrait painter. He painted many important people, including members of the royal family, politicians, and actors. He had a large studio in London where he worked.
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John was a much-loved member of the Garrick Club, a special club in London. He was even made a "Life Member" and led their art committee for several years. In 1975, he received an honorary Master of Arts degree from Newcastle University. In 1981, he was given the special title of "Freeman of the City of London."
John Gilroy passed away in Guildford on April 11, 1985.
John's Family Life
John Gilroy was married two times. His first marriage was in 1924 to Gwendoline Short, who was also an artist. They had one son named John Morritt, born in 1927.
In 1950, John married for the second time to Elizabeth Margaret Outram Bramley. Elizabeth already had two children, a daughter named Jenefer and a son named Robin.
