1996 Guinness Original Poster – Free Gilroy Pin Badges, Toucan & Animal Advertising

A colourful Guinness Original promotional poster advertising a collectible range of Gilroy pin badges. An oversized gold Guinness label fills the black background, surrounded by familiar advertising characters including toucans, a pelican and an elephant with its keeper.
Customers were invited to collect four badge designs using seven bottle tops per badge, with collector envelopes available at the bar. The poster captures how Guinness reused its much-loved advertising characters in 1990s pub promotions, introducing them to another generation of collectors. Poster only; the badges appear within the printed design.
Provenance: Guinness Brewing Worldwide 1996
Dimensions: 23 in x 16.5 in (58 cm x 42 cm)

John Gilroy (1898–1985) was a British painter and commercial artist best known for his humorous Guinness advertisements. Working through the agency S. H. Benson, he created memorable animals and their long-suffering keeper, turning simple visual jokes into instantly recognisable advertising. This later promotion adapts his character designs into collectible badges; the designer of the 1996 poster layout is uncredited.

Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.

When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be delivered in a cardboard backed envelope for protection.

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