Guinness for Strength by John Gilroy, 1934

Step into the vibrant world of vintage advertising with "Guinness for Strength" by John Gilroy, a classic 1934 colour lithograph that captures the wit and charm of early 20th-century commercial art. Designed as a promotional poster for Guinness, this iconic image features a cheerful builder effortlessly carrying an enormous steel girder on his shoulder, embodying the slogan "Guinness for Strength." Gilroy’s delightful approach to advertising helped shape the visual identity of Guinness, making this piece a celebrated milestone in the history of marketing and graphic design.

This fine art print is meticulously reproduced on acid-free archival paper or luxurious artist's cotton canvas, ensuring vivid colours and lasting quality. Available in multiple sizes, it can be further enhanced with bespoke framing options and personalisation, all expertly handled by The Unique Maps Co. Whether you’re seeking a standout centrepiece or a memorable gift, this print can be tailored to complement any interior.

John Gilroy, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, was one of Britain’s most influential commercial artists of the 20th century. Beginning his career at S H Benson Ltd in 1925, Gilroy became synonymous with the Guinness brand, crafting nearly 50 poster designs over a remarkable 35-year collaboration. His playful, imaginative visuals and clever use of humour made everyday scenes extraordinary, setting a new standard in advertising artistry.

The "Guinness for Strength" poster is renowned for its bold, engaging imagery and instantly recognisable style. The builder’s beaming expression and exaggerated feat of strength, paired with the crisp, blocky lettering of the slogan, create a composition that is both visually striking and delightfully whimsical. The poster’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining fresh and relevant—a testament to Gilroy’s masterful design sensibility.

The colour palette is dominated by warm, earthy reds and rich ochres, with the builder’s brick-toned outfit and the deep, glossy brown of the Guinness bottle drawing the eye. Accents of steel greys and creamy whites add dimension, while the bright, inviting background gives the artwork a buoyant, optimistic feel. This harmonious blend of hues and the lively, illustrative style make the print a joyful addition to kitchens, home bars, or any creative space.

"Guinness for Strength" is a wonderful gift idea for lovers of vintage design, beer aficionados, or anyone who appreciates the history of advertising. Ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, Father’s Day, or as a festive Christmas surprise, this timeless print brings a touch of humour and heritage to any home.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.