Sold at Auction: John Thomas Young Gilroy

John Gilroy ( 1898 - 1985) was an English artist and illustrator, best known for his advertising posters for Guinness, the Irish stout. Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery. He resumed studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained as a teacher. In 1925, he gained employment at S.H. Benson's advertising agency, where he created the iconic advertisement art for Guinness featuring the Zoo Keeper and animals enjoying Guinness. He was also an accomplished portrait painter, numbering Royalty, Politicians, Actors and many others amongst his subjects.