Johnnie Walker Advert Description
Publication: The Illustrated London News
Date: December 12, 1923
Title: Born 1820 – Still Going Strong
Visual Description: The advert features an illustration of a pottery-making scene, part of the “Old Craft Series.” Johnnie Walker, depicted in his signature Victorian-era outfit with a top hat and cane, is observing a craftsman engaged in pottery making. The craftsman, dressed in traditional work attire with a cap, is carefully shaping a pot on a potter’s wheel. The background includes shelves with various pottery pieces and a window providing a glimpse of the outside, emphasizing the historical and artisanal craftsmanship.
Caption/Text in the Advert: “Born 1820 —Still going strong!”
Main Text: “POTTERY-MAKING is a prehistoric craft, which, in its initial stage of crude clay-modelling, fulfilled man’s need for bricks, food vessels and sepulchral vases.
Development of the art spread from the East. The highest stage was first reached by the Chinese, who made porcelain in prehistoric times and produced their imperial cobalt blue, in the first century A.D.
The introduction of the potter’s wheel, in the 1st century B.C., is credited to the Romans. Earlier specimens of pottery in England belong to the Bronze Age, and show signs of Central European influence. Burnt potteries are claimed to have existed in Saxon times.”
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Brand Slogan: “Pride of Production is the Stimulus of True Craftsmanship—hence the Superiority of ‘Johnnie Walker.'”
Company Information: John Walker & Sons, Ltd., Scotch Whisky Distillers, Kilmarnock, Scotland.
Welcome to The Whiskey Wash Vintage Johnnie Walker Advert Archive
This archive presents a collection of over 100 adverts for Johnnie Walker, spanning from the 1910s to the 1960s. It captures a dynamic period in global history, marked by profound political and social changes, including two World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of empires, and the dawn of the Cold War. These events profoundly shaped societal attitudes and lifestyles, mirrored by the mid-20th century movements like the civil rights struggle, decolonization in Africa and Asia, and significant technological and cultural advances, reflecting a world rapidly evolving in its complexity and interconnectedness.
The impact of these global events on whisky production, advertising, and commerce was substantial. Resource scarcities and economic challenges during the World Wars and the Great Depression necessitated innovations in marketing and production efficiency. Following the war, the economic boom, increased global affluence, and the expansion of mass media enabled whisky brands like Johnnie Walker to engage a broader audience through increasingly sophisticated advertising campaigns. This era also witnessed the ascension of consumer culture and branding as pivotal elements of commerce, with companies using evolving advertising techniques to cultivate brand identity and foster loyalty in a competitive market.
Why Johnnie Walker?
Johnnie Walker has not only been a frontrunner in the whisky industry since its establishment in 1820 but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the advertising world. These adverts offer more than just a glimpse into the brand’s history; they serve as a mirror reflecting societal changes, evolving marketing trends, and the artistry of generations past. From classic artwork to memorable slogans that have stood the test of time, Johnnie Walker’s global influence is undeniable.
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To ensure that this archive serves as a valuable resource for everyone—from researchers and students to whisky aficionados and art lovers—we are offering it under a Creative Commons license. This means that you are free to use, share, and adapt the content for any purpose, even commercially, provided you give appropriate credit.
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Dive into our collection to explore the rich visual and historical aspects of Johnnie Walker adverts. Whether you’re here to draw inspiration, conduct academic research, or simply admire the artistry, this archive is yours to explore.
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