A round with Guinness – 1950 Gleneagles Advertising Study by Gilroy

The 2015 golf season is underway and I thought it would be fun to show an original 1950 [dated] Guinness advertising study for the sport by the renowned artist John Gilroy.

On a couple of occasions, Guinness looked into golf themed advertising. This is one of several Scottish golf course studies created by Gilroy in the 1950s. Compared to the famous cartoonish and humorous advertisements (think zookeeper, toucans, pelicans, etc.), this is a very painterly image capturing the look and tranquility of golf from days gone by.

Avid golfers know Gleneagles as one of world’s great courses that has hosted many of the best events. I’m not a golfer and unable to appreciate the legacy of Gleneagles, but we acquired a couple of these original studies for our kids who gallantly attempt the game.

As with all original painting studies, this has review comments penciled into the margins; in this case, “center lettering” and “smaller figures”. The intact S.H. Benson tag indicates this study was created for the Guinness Export business and notes an action of ‘submit’ for a final review.

I am not aware if any of the golf series went to press but the art is very nice.